By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, with both sides identifying trade, agriculture, investment, technology and cultural exchanges as key areas for greater cooperation.
The commitment was highlighted in Abuja during a reception organised by the Embassy of Vietnam to mark the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam.
The event brought together representatives of the Nigerian government, diplomats, heads of international organisations, members of the diplomatic community and the Vietnamese community living and working in Nigeria.
Speaking at the reception, Vietnam’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Le Viet Hoang, described the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a historic milestone for both countries.
Nigeria and Vietnam formally established diplomatic relations on February 28, 1976.
Ambassador Hoang said the relationship had continued to develop despite the geographical distance separating both countries, noting that Nigeria and Vietnam share experiences of national liberation, resilience and aspirations for economic prosperity.
He described Nigeria as a major African economy and an important market, while presenting Vietnam as a dynamically developing Southeast Asian economy and an important gateway to the ASEAN market.
According to him, Nigeria has remained one of Vietnam’s major trading partners in Africa, with commodities such as cashew nuts, timber and liquefied natural gas forming part of the bilateral trade relationship.
He added that Vietnamese products, including rice, consumer goods, textiles and technology, have also become increasingly familiar in Nigeria.
Nigeria reaffirms commitment
Representing the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the event, Ambassador Wakil Babagana, Chief of Party (CoP) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the Nigeria-Vietnam relationship.
In his remarks, Amb. Babagana’s message centred on Nigeria’s appreciation of its longstanding relationship with Vietnam and the need to translate the 50-year diplomatic partnership into stronger economic and development cooperation.
He noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity for both countries to reflect on the progress achieved over the past five decades while identifying new areas where Nigeria and Vietnam could work together for mutual benefit.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening trade and investment relations, particularly by creating more opportunities for businesses from both countries to engage, invest and develop partnerships.
The Nigerian representative also highlighted the potential for greater cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technology, education, capacity building and cultural exchanges, stressing that stronger institutional and private-sector engagement could further expand the relationship.
Amb. Babagana also conveyed Nigeria’s continued commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Vietnam and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Four pillars for the next phase
Ambassador Hoang had earlier outlined four priority areas that Vietnam believes could drive the next phase of bilateral relations.
The first is agriculture and food security. He said Vietnam is prepared to share its experience in high-tech agriculture, rice value chains, aquaculture and agro-processing as Nigeria works towards strengthening food production and self-sufficiency.
The second is digital transformation and telecommunications. The ambassador identified opportunities for both countries to collaborate in telecommunications infrastructure, innovation, e-commerce and financial technology, particularly given the young populations and growing technology sectors of both nations.
The third is trade and investment. He invited Nigerian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam and said the Vietnamese Embassy would continue to serve as a bridge for Vietnamese companies seeking opportunities in the Nigerian market.
The fourth is people-to-people and cultural exchanges, including education, tourism, sports and the arts. Ambassador Hoang said greater interaction between citizens of both countries would promote mutual understanding and provide a stronger foundation for long-term bilateral relations.
Vietnam highlights development journey
The Vietnamese ambassador also used the occasion to reflect on his country’s journey since independence.
He recalled that on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
He said Vietnam had overcome decades of war and hardship through resilience, self-reliance and a strong aspiration for peace and development.
According to him, Vietnam has since emerged as a dynamic economy in Southeast Asia and an important participant in global supply chains.
He noted that the country is pursuing digital and green transitions, sustainable development and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
On the international stage, Ambassador Hoang said Vietnam continues to pursue a foreign policy based on independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification.
He also highlighted Vietnam’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa and its broader commitment to international peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.
Looking beyond 50 years
The anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity for Nigeria and Vietnam to look beyond the achievements of their first 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Both sides pointed to the potential for stronger government-to-government engagement, increased business-to-business partnerships and greater interaction between their citizens.
Ambassador Hoang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Nigerian authorities for their support for the Embassy of Vietnam and the Vietnamese community.
As Nigeria and Vietnam enter the next phase of their relationship, the discussions in Abuja highlighted the potential for the longstanding diplomatic partnership to develop into broader cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education and culture.
