National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Senegalese National Assembly Chairman El Malick Ndiaye witnessed the announcement ceremony of the establishment of the Vietnam-Senegal Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Senegal-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group. (Photo: VAN CHUC)

This is the highest-level visit ever, opening a new page for Vietnam-Senegal cooperation.

The strong, sincere and friendly messages from the leaders of the two countries in many important activities in the capital Dakar demonstrated their determination to bring bilateral relations to a new, substantive and sustainable height.

Dance of hospitality

As soon as they arrived at the international airport of the neighboring country during their recent working schedule, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his wife, along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, were warmly welcomed. The presence of Senegalese National Assembly Chairman El Malick Ndiaye right at the foot of the plane's stairs, the vibrant traditional dances, the bustling drum beats and the colorful costumes of Senegalese artists and people created a warm and joyful atmosphere of hospitality for Vietnamese friends.

In the July sunshine that filled the streets, the official welcoming ceremony took place solemnly with the honor guard inspection and the playing of the national anthems of both countries. The large presence of Senegalese parliamentary leaders showed your appreciation in the careful preparation for this historic visit.

During the talks and meetings, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President of the National Assembly El Malick Ndiaye, Senegalese leaders conveyed a clear message of their desire to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, considering this a focus in Senegal's South-South cooperation policy.

The President stressed that the visit of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man marks an “important milestone” in promoting good relations between the two countries, especially in the context of Senegal implementing the Senegal Vision 2050 strategy.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, at official and sideline activities, sent out a strong message about the importance of Africa, especially Senegal, in Vietnam's foreign policy.

The results of the talks between the Chairman of our National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senegalese National Assembly and the meeting with the Prime Minister of your country have agreed on a number of major orientations to expand cooperation between the two States, Governments and two National Assemblies.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man stated: Vietnam highly appreciates Senegal's strategic position and active participation and contributions at many major regional forums and wishes to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in many fields, from economics, trade, investment to agriculture, telecommunications, science-technology and people-to-people exchange.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that “Vietnam and Senegal, with their potential and dynamically developing economies, can become a bridge for each other's goods to penetrate deeper into the Southeast Asian and West African markets.”

Important pillar for bilateral relations

During the talks, the National Assembly Chairman shared about Vietnam's achievements, especially the conversion of the government model from three levels to two levels, effective from July 1, 2025, demonstrating Vietnam's innovation and reform spirit.

Vietnam and Senegal, with their potential and dynamically developing economies, can become a bridge for each other's goods to penetrate deeper into Southeast Asian and West African markets.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man

In the atmosphere of traditional friendship, the Chairman of the National Assembly respectfully conveyed the greetings of General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Senegalese leaders, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship and the determination to promote substantive cooperation in many fields.

One of the important highlights was the agreement between the two National Assembly Chairmen on enhancing parliamentary cooperation, considering it a strategic pillar in bilateral relations. National Assembly Chairman El Malick Ndiaye emphasized that “parliamentary diplomacy is a strategic lever” to strengthen Vietnam-Senegal relations.

The two sides signed a cooperation agreement between the two countries' National Assemblies, pledging to promote high-level delegation exchanges, share legislative and supervisory experiences, and cooperate at multilateral parliamentary forums.

The launch of the Friendship Parliamentarians' Group of the two countries, chaired by the Vice President of the Senegalese National Assembly and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnamese National Assembly, demonstrates an important new step forward, promising to promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the legal foundation for comprehensive cooperation in the coming time.

The leaders of the two countries also stressed the importance of economic and agricultural cooperation. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko proposed specific cooperation in areas such as plant breeding, water resources engineering, irrigation and training of agricultural engineers, and expressed his desire to import more rice from Vietnam to ensure food security.

The Chairman of the National Assembly affirmed that Vietnam is ready to cooperate in building a comprehensive agricultural development strategy, and suggested that both sides complete the legal framework on investment protection agreements and double taxation avoidance to create favorable conditions for businesses.

It is a wonderful feeling to be present for the first time in your beautiful and hospitable country. Along the coast and in public areas on the streets, whether it is noon or late afternoon or evening, there are always hundreds and thousands of young people who are passionate and diligent in playing sports and exercising.

Cultural exchange activities were a highlight of this visit. The strong development of Vovinam “Viet Vo Dao” in Senegal, attracting more than 3,000 students nationwide, has become an effective cultural bridge between the two nations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a Vovinam student, and other leaders highly appreciated the significance of this martial art in spreading humanistic values, peace and charity.

Expressing his honor to welcome National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his wife to watch the martial arts performance, President of the Senegal Vovinam Federation Dr. Diomaye Dieng expressed: With the philosophy of learning martial arts to train oneself and help society, Vovinam martial arts trains martial artists to become good citizens, actively participating in the development of the country and contributing to society.

In the capital Dakar, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, wife of the National Assembly Chairman, had a meaningful activity when visiting the ESTEL Center for Supporting Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities, helping disadvantaged children integrate into the community and receive career-oriented education.

“Our two peoples share a tradition of humanity and protection for the vulnerable, especially children. I hope that Vietnam and Senegal will strengthen cooperation to share experiences in protecting the vulnerable and people with disabilities,” said Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga.

According to nhandan.vn

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/theo-dong-thoi-su/trang-moi-cua-tinh-huu-nghi-anh-em-156083.html