​Vietnam, Burundi pledge deeper cooperation in agriculture, tech, and trade

​Vietnam, Burundi pledge deeper cooperation in agriculture, tech, and trade

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye held official talks in Hanoi on Friday, affirming their commitment to stronger bilateral ties through trade, investment, agriculture, and digital transformation.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (R) shakes hands with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye before their talks in Hanoi, April 4, 2025. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

The top Burundian official and his spouse are paying an official visit to Vietnam from Thursday to Sunday at the invitation of President Cuong and his spouse.

President Cuong expressed his belief that the visit would mark a new stage in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing Vietnam’s high regard for its relations with African nations, including Burundi.

President Ndayishimiye conveyed his appreciation for Vietnam’s warm hospitality and admiration for its historic struggle for independence.

He noted that despite the geographical distance, the two nations have always maintained a bond of solidarity and mutual goodwill.

The Burundian President stated that his visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields such as investment, agriculture, mining, science and technology, and digital transformation.

He also expressed the desire for both countries to consider opening permanent diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye at a meeting with Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong in Hanoi, April 4, 2025. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Both leaders praised the positive progress in economic ties, especially highlighting the successful operation of Lumitel, a telecommunications joint venture by Vietnam's Viettel Group in Burundi.

They agreed on measures to further boost trade by sharing market information, promoting investment opportunities, and creating favorable conditions for businesses to connect and collaborate.

They also agreed to diversify trade items, improve access to each other's markets, and enhance cooperation in key sectors, particularly agriculture.

The two sides committed to speeding up negotiations and signing new cooperation agreements to improve the legal framework and facilitate the implementation of joint activities.

President Cuong thanked his Burundian counterpart for supporting Vietnamese businesses in Burundi and expressed hope for continued favorable conditions for Viettel and other Vietnamese companies operating in the country.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong during his talks with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye in Hanoi, April 4, 2025. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

President Ndayishimiye affirmed Burundi’s readiness to act as a bridge to help Vietnam enhance cooperation with the African Union and establish ties with the East African Community.

He also extended a formal invitation to President Cuong to visit Burundi, which was warmly accepted.

Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of two important cooperation documents, including a framework agreement on government-to-government cooperation and a memorandum of understanding on political and diplomatic consultations.

Tuoi Tre News