The plan was finalised by Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan of Vietnam and her South African counterpart, Kgalema Motlanthe, during their talks in Hanoi on October 6.

The duo expressed satisfaction at the fine development of bilateral relations and emphasised determination to take concrete steps to boost traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.

Bilateral relations in future should focus on trade, culture, tourism and defence-security, said the two vice presidents.

Motlanthe is on an official visit to Vietnam at a time when the capital city of Hanoi is celebrating its millennium anniversary from October 1-10, which coincided with UNESCO’s recognition of Thang Long Royal Citadel as a world cultural heritage site.

The South African Vice President expressed happiness at joining the Vietnamese people on this special occasion during his stay.

He also lauded Vietnam’s achievements during its renewal process, which has made the Southeast Asian nation a dynamic economy and contributed to global economic development.

Motlanthe’s visit was welcomed by his Vietnamese host Doan as evidence of the strong spirit of “Partnership for cooperation and development” and the fine relations between Vietnam and South Africa.