Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye visited Vietnam from April 3-6, highlighting the countries’ intent to strengthen ties across various sectors. Relations date back to 1975, and notable cooperation has been seen in trade, especially through Viettel’s significant investment in telecommunications. Future collaboration is anticipated in agriculture and infrastructure, bolstered by the African Continental Free Trade Area’s establishment.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, accompanied by his spouse, visited Vietnam from April 3-6, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including politics, economy, trade, and culture. This gesture signifies a desire for stronger ties between Vietnam and Burundi, as stated by Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Thanh Huyen.
Vietnam and Burundi have longstanding historical and cultural connections, having both faced colonial challenges. Burundi views Vietnam as a model for national liberation and development. Diplomatic relations were formalized on April 16, 1975, although neither country has an embassy in the other’s capital, relying instead on respective embassies in Tanzania and China for diplomatic matters.
The past 50 years have seen consistent cooperation through Party and State channels, with notable exchanges such as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s meeting with President Ndayishimiye during the 2023 UN General Assembly, and a visit by Révérien Ndikuriyo, a Burundian official, to Vietnam. Recently, Vietnam designated Juvenal Sakubu as its Honorary Consul in Burundi, enhancing economic cooperation and citizen protection.
Both countries have supported each other in international forums. For example, Burundi endorsed Vietnam’s bids for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council and the World Heritage Committee. Recent agreements, including a visa exemption for certain passport holders and a memorandum on information cooperation, further aim to enhance bilateral collaboration.
Economic interactions between Vietnam and Burundi have been promising, with trade exceeding $2 million in 2024. Vietnam mainly exports machinery and components to Burundi while importing minerals and animal feed. Notably, Viettel’s investment in Burundi established a leading mobile network, Lumitel, enhancing job creation and financial contributions to the Burundian economy.
Ambassador Huyen emphasized President Ndayishimiye’s visit as significant for future collaboration, particularly in agriculture and mining. Coffee and tea are dominant exports from Burundi, which aims to modernize its agricultural processes and attract investment in infrastructure, particularly in energy and transportation. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021 is expected to boost trade between Vietnam and African markets, indicating abundant opportunities for strategic partnerships.
The official visit of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye to Vietnam marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. Both countries share a rich history and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains. With increasing trade and investment ties, particularly in telecommunications and agricultural sectors, the potential for future collaboration looks promising. This partnership is poised to contribute to the socio-economic progress of both nations while fostering stability and prosperity.
Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
