Vietnam and Angola mark half a century of diplomatic partnership
In the heart of Luanda, Angola, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Angola was celebrated on August 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the history of the two nations. Established officially on November 12, 1975, just one day after Angola's independence, the relationship between Vietnam and Angola has been rooted in shared values of independence, freedom, and development, reinforced by historic solidarity during national liberation struggles.
The ceremony was attended by Vietnam's President Luong Cuong, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation. The event was hosted by the Vietnam Embassy in Angola and was graced by the presence of Angolan leaders, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, local friends, and about 400 representatives of the Vietnam community in Angola.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Buithanh Son spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the anniversary as a major milestone for the two countries. He emphasized that President Luong Cuong's visit aims to establish future directions for bilateral ties. Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio stated that Angola and Vietnam have built a trusted and close-knit relationship based on solidarity, mutual respect, and friendly cooperation.
The ceremony reaffirmed the two countries' shared vision as reliable partners on the international stage who will protect the interests of developing nations and promote global stability. Minister Antonio called for deepening strategic cooperation and exploring new opportunities in trade, science, technology, tourism, cultural exchanges, and business links.
During the visit, the two countries signed eight key agreements and memoranda covering a broad spectrum of cooperation areas. These included transfer of sentenced prisoners and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, defense cooperation between Vietnamese and Angolan Ministries of National Defence, agricultural cooperation to enhance food security and development, crime prevention cooperation, media and broadcasting collaboration between Vietnam Television and Angola’s TPA broadcaster, business cooperation between the two countries' Chambers of Commerce, oil and gas cooperation between Petrovietnam and Angola's Sonangol E&P.
Minister Antonio also expressed gratitude for the contributions of Angolan experts trained in Vietnam, particularly in the fields of agriculture, education, and health. Minister Kim Son, the Minister of Education and Training, presented insignia to several medical and educational experts in recognition of their important contributions to Angola's development and the two countries' relations.
Deputy PM Son described the Vietnam-Angola fraternity and friendship as a valuable asset for cooperation and mutual development. Minister Antonio reaffirmed the shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous world, trust in multilateralism, and support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Over the past five decades, the relationship between Vietnam and Angola has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples. Landmark visits, such as those by MPLA leader Agostinho Neto to Vietnam in 1971 and General Vo Nguyen Giap to Angola in 1980, helped cement this friendship.
As the two nations look towards the future, they aim to deepen practical economic, trade, and investment ties, especially in priority fields such as agriculture, food security, and energy. They plan to enhance diplomatic exchanges, utilize existing cooperation mechanisms like the Vietnam–Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and encourage business community interaction.
The 50 years of Vietnam-Angola diplomatic relations are marked by historic solidarity, expanding multisectoral cooperation, and a shared vision of stronger, mutually beneficial partnership moving forward.
- The celebration in Luanda, Angola, marked a significant milestone in the 50-year history of Vietnam-Angola diplomatic relations, rooted in shared values like independence, freedom, and development.
- The ceremony was graced by both nations' leaders and delegations, reinforcing the trusted and close-knit relationship between Vietnam and Angola.
- During the event, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Buithanh Son emphasized the importance of establishing future directions for bilateral ties.
- Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio praised the solidarity, mutual respect, and friendly cooperation that have built and sustained the relationship between the two countries.
- In addition to political and diplomatic cooperation, the ceremony saw agreements signed in areas such as trade, agriculture, defense, crime prevention, media, education, health, and oil and gas.
- Minister Antonio expressed gratitude for the contributions of Angolan experts trained in Vietnam, particularly in agriculture, education, and health.
- As they look to the future, Vietnam and Angola aim to deepen economic, trade, and investment ties, focusing on priority fields like agriculture, food security, and energy.
- Over the past five decades, the Vietnam-Angola relationship has been marked by historic solidarity, expanding multisectoral cooperation, and a shared vision of stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships moving forward.
