President Luong Cuong presided over the welcoming ceremony for South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

This is the first visit by a South African head of state to Vietnam in nearly 20 years, a historic milestone, contributing to promoting the deepening and substantive relations between the two countries.

Attending the welcoming ceremony were: Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son; Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Vu Hong Thanh; Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh; Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuracy Nguyen Huy Tien; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense; Lieutenant General Dang Hong Duc, Deputy Minister of Public Security...

A large number of children from the capital were present at the Presidential Palace waving flags of both countries to welcome President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the high-ranking South African delegation.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to Vietnam, taking place nine years after his visit as Vice President, will be an important milestone in bilateral relations, demonstrating the special respect and determination of the two countries in elevating bilateral relations.

The visit not only strengthens the traditional friendship but also opens up opportunities for the two countries' leaders to comprehensively assess the cooperative relationship, orientate the promotion of economic , trade and investment cooperation, and exploit new potentials, towards a more comprehensive and deeper relationship in the future.

After the welcoming ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa had a private meeting and then led high-ranking delegations from both countries to hold talks, assessing the results of cooperation between the two countries in recent times and proposing directions for future cooperation. The two leaders will also meet the press.