Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s visit to Vietnam from April 3-6 signifies a mutual commitment to bolster cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, and culture. Diplomatic relations, established in 1975, have strengthened over the years through high-level exchanges and agreements facilitating trade and investment. Vietnam views Burundi as a promising partner in agricultural and mining sectors, while Viettel’s investment marks a significant economic contribution. The potential for growth in this partnership is substantial, aided by the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The official visit of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye to Vietnam from April 3 to 6, at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong, signifies a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation across various domains, including politics, economics, trade, culture, and society. Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Burundi, Vu Thanh Huyen, expressed that this visit marks a commitment to fostering bilateral relations between the two nations.
Vietnam and Burundi share a rich historical background and cultural parallels, having both faced colonial struggles. Burundian leaders view Vietnam as a model of national liberation and developmental success. While diplomatic relations were established on April 16, 1975, neither nation maintains an embassy in the other’s capital, relying instead on their respective embassies in Tanzania and China to facilitate diplomatic communication.
Over the past five decades, relations between Vietnam and Burundi have been sustained through Party and State channels, with various high-level exchanges strengthening ties, including a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Ndayishimiye in September 2023. Additionally, Burundi’s Révérien Ndikuriyo visited Vietnam in July 2024 to discuss further cooperation.
Vietnam’s appointment of Burundian businessman Juvenal Sakubu as Honorary Consul in Bujumbura underscores the emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Ambassador Huyen highlighted Mr. Sakubu’s role in effectively safeguarding the interests of Vietnamese nationals while bolstering the bilateral relationship.
Cooperation extends to mutual support at UN forums and international organizations, with Burundi endorsing Vietnam’s candidacy for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council and the World Heritage Committee. Both countries signed an agreement in June 2022 to exempt visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders and later a Memorandum of Understanding on information and communication cooperation in December 2024. Currently, over 30 Vietnamese nationals reside in Burundi, primarily as employees of Viettel.
Economic ties show promising growth, with two-way trade reaching over $2 million in 2024. Vietnam exports machinery and components while importing minerals and animal feed from Burundi. A significant aspect of this cooperation is Viettel’s investment in Burundi, which has established a leading mobile network, Lumitel, that contributes to the nation’s economy and employment significantly.
Ambassador Huyen stated that President Ndayishimiye’s visit signifies a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, pointing to Burundi’s agricultural potential, particularly in coffee and tea exports. The Burundian government is focused on agricultural modernization and mining sector development, creating favorable conditions for foreign investment, especially in energy and infrastructure.
The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021 presents new opportunities for Vietnam to expand trade with African nations, particularly in East Africa, which is perceived as a promising market. The Vietnam-Burundi relationship is poised for growth across various sectors aided by strong political will from both governments, sufficient resources, and collaborative possibilities to further each nation’s socio-economic development strategies, thus fostering peace and stability in the respective regions.
In summary, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s visit to Vietnam marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. With a shared history of resilience, enhanced diplomatic engagements, and robust economic initiatives, Vietnam and Burundi are well-positioned to build upon their cooperation across various sectors. The ongoing investment projects and strategic agreements signify a commitment to mutual growth and prosperity, ultimately contributing to regional stability and development.
Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
