State President hosts welcome ceremony for Burundian counterpart

State President Lương Cường and President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye review the guard of hnour. — VNA/VNS Photos Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — State President Lương Cường and his spouse chaired a welcome ceremony in Hà Nội on Friday for President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye and his spouse, who are paying an official visit to Việt Nam from April 3-6.

The visit, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (April 16, 1975-2025) is considered a historical milestone in the two countries' relations, reflecting their desire to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture and society.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established on April 16, 1975. Việt Nam and Burundi share many similarities in history and culture, with both having experienced struggles against colonialism. Burundi's leaders consider Việt Nam as an example in the struggle for national liberation as well as national construction and development.

State President Lương Cường greets members of Burundi's delegation. — VNA/VNS Photo

Over the past 50 years, the two countries have maintained fine relations through both Party and State channels. High-level exchanges have strengthened these ties, including Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính's meeting with President Ndayishimiye on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023, and Secretary General of the National Council for the Defence of Democracy – Forces for the Defence of Democracy Révérien Ndikuriyo’s working visit to Việt Nam in July 2024.

Economic and trade ties between the two countries have shown promising growth, with two-way trade topping US$2 million in 2024. Việt Nam primarily ships machinery, equipment, and computer and components to Burundi while importing minerals, ores, and animal feed from the African country.

State President Lương Cường and his spouse welcome Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and his spouse. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

A standout achievement in bilateral cooperation is the investment project by Việt Nam's Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group in Burundi. Since establishing operations in 2013 as a joint venture with 85 per cent ownership, Viettel launched its mobile network under the Lumitel brand across Burundi in June 2015. After a decade of operations, Lumitel has become the leading telecommunications provider in Burundi and one of the largest contributors to the Burundian government's budget, providing stable employment for over 60,000 workers and indirectly creating around 100,000 jobs.

With the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021, Việt Nam's trade with African markets is expected to increase significantly. Việt Nam, a dynamic economy in Southeast Asia, has seen Africa, particularly East Africa, as a new, potential market rich in resources with numerous cooperation opportunities.

State President Lương Cường and his spouse with Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye and his spouse for a commemorative photo at the Presidential Palace in Hà Nội on April 4. — VNA/VNS Photo

The relationship between the two countries will continue developing across multiple sectors, especially economy, trade, and investment on the back of strong political determination from leaders of both countries, abundant resources, and potential for collaboration. This partnership will contribute to realising each country's socio-economic development strategies while promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in both regions and continents.

The two leaders hold talks after the welcome ceremony. — VNA/VNS Photo

After the welcome ceremony, President Lương Cường and President Évariste Ndayishimiye had a private meeting and then led the two countries' high-level delegations to talks, which aim to evaluate the results of bilateral cooperation over the past time, and propose directions for the coming time. The two leaders will also witness the signing of a number of cooperation documents. — VNS

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