President attends ceremony to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam-Angola diplomatic relations

In the context of the complicated and unpredictable developments in the world, more than ever, the relationship between Vietnam and Angola is a valuable asset that the two countries need to cherish, preserve and promote.

President Luong Cuong and his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation salute the flag. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

According to the special correspondent of VNA, on the evening of August 7 in the capital Luanda, the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola solemnly held a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Angola (November 12, 1975 - November 12, 2025).

During his State visit to the Republic of Angola, President Luong Cuong and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, attended the Celebration Ceremony. Also in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs Tete Antonio; leaders of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA); Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires of various countries in the diplomatic corps; local friends and about 400 representatives of the Vietnamese community in Angola.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said this was a significant event for the two brotherly countries, especially solemnly organized within the framework of the State visit to Angola by President Luong Cuong and his wife, the first visit to Angola by a key Vietnamese leader in nearly 20 years and at a time when the two countries are celebrating important events.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Angola originated during the period of national liberation struggles of the two countries, and was founded through the historic visits of President of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) Antonio Agostinho Neto, the "immortal leader" of the Angolan people, to Vietnam in August 1971 and the visit of General Vo Nguyen Giap - the "general of peace" to Angola in December 1980.

In the most difficult times, Vietnam and Angola have always been each other's spiritual support, sharing valuable experiences in the art of people's war, building and rebuilding the country.

1975 was a historic milestone for both countries when Vietnam completed the liberation of the South, reunified the country and Angola officially became an independent nation.

A particularly memorable milestone and testament to the sincerity and trust in the relationship between the two countries was on November 12, 1975, just one day after Angola declared independence, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations.

This event laid the foundation for a strong friendship based on shared values of independence, freedom and development. Since then, the relationship has been continuously strengthened and developed on the basis of political trust and solidarity between the two Parties, States, Governments and peoples.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a congratulatory speech on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Angola diplomatic relations. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized that after 50 years, the people of the two countries are happy to witness the rise of each country, becoming countries with increasingly important positions and voices in each region and in the world, as well as the strong development of bilateral relations in many fields from politics-diplomacy to economics, culture, education, health and people-to-people exchange.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said that the State visit of President Luong Cuong to Angola this time is of special significance, aiming to unify the development orientations of bilateral relations in the coming time; at the same time, it also affirms the importance of the Party, State and people of Vietnam in continuously cultivating cooperative relations with Angola in particular, and with Africa in general, and is a testament to Vietnam's foreign policy of being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

In the context of the complicated and unpredictable developments in the world's security, politics and economy, Minister Bui Thanh Son said that more than ever, the brotherly and friendly relationship between Vietnam and Angola is a valuable asset that the two countries need to cherish, preserve and promote to promote cooperation, unlock resources, and complement each other for mutual development.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Vietnam and Angola, with a solid foundation of friendship over the past 50 years, have every basis to bring bilateral relations to new heights - more substantial, effective and sustainable - building a "Partnership for Cooperation and Development" relationship to become a model for South-South cooperation.

Minister Bui Thanh Son believes that with the support of the two countries' senior leaders, high political determination and the spirit of sincere and mutually beneficial cooperation, and the active and effective support and coordination of international friends and partners, the Vietnam-Angola relationship will continue to develop strongly, meeting the aspirations and interests of the people of the two countries and actively contributing to peace, cooperation and development in both regions as well as around the world.

For his part, expressing his honor and emotion to speak at the solemn ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Angola and Vietnam, Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio said that over half a century, Angola and Vietnam have built a relationship of trust and closeness, based on the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and friendly cooperation.

Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António delivers a congratulatory speech on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Angola diplomatic relations. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Minister Tete Antonio affirmed that these close feelings were forged in the fire of the struggle for independence and freedom; emphasizing that in the most difficult moments of history, under the leadership of President Agostinho Neto and President Ho Chi Minh, the people of Angola and Vietnam shared the same ideals and steadfastly fought against colonial rule. The courage and perseverance of the Vietnamese people deeply inspired the Angolan people, and Vietnam's victory affirmed the indomitable will of a nation yearning for independence.

Pointing out that after the two countries established diplomatic relations, Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognize the Republic of Angola, bilateral cooperation has continuously developed in many fields. The Angolan Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the valuable support of Vietnam in the fields of agriculture, education and health, as well as the great contributions of Angolan experts trained in Vietnam.

Looking to the future, Mr. Tete Antonio said that both countries have more motivation to continue to expand and deepen the strategic cooperation relationship; need to jointly seek and exploit new opportunities in the fields of economics, trade, science and technology; at the same time, enhance cultural exchanges, promote tourism and connect businesses of the two countries, in order to open up the potential for comprehensive cooperation.

Minister Tete Antonio emphasized that Angola attaches special importance to the State visit of President Luong Cuong this time, as a vivid demonstration of friendship and commitment to join hands to continue fostering the Vietnam-Angola relationship.

Mr. Tete Antonio affirmed that Angola and Vietnam will work towards a peaceful and prosperous world; believe in multilateralism and resolve conflicts by peaceful means. In the international forum, the two countries will always be reliable companions, protecting the interests of developing countries and promoting global stability.

On this occasion, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Co-Chairman of the Vietnam-Angola Intergovernmental Committee, presented commemorative medals to a number of Vietnamese health and education experts in recognition of their important and effective contributions to the development of Angola, as well as the relationship between the two countries./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chu-tich-nuoc-du-le-ky-niem-50-nam-thiet-lap-quan-he-ngoai-giao-viet-nam-angola-post1054403.vnp