50 years of Vietnam-Angola relations: Sincere friendship – Mutually beneficial cooperation – Towards the future
Sharing with the World and Vietnam Report, Angolan Ambassador to Vietnam Fernando Miguel emphasized that the Angola-Vietnam relationship is not simply a partnership, it is a relationship of sharing, mutual assistance and companionship on the path to development and prosperity.
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| President of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and his Spouse welcome President Luong Cuong and his Spouse on the State visit to Angola in August 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
What are your assessments of the most remarkable features of Vietnam-Angola relations over the past five decades? If you were to describe the bilateral ties in a few phrases, what would they be?
The five decades of Angola-Vietnam relations represent fifty years of friendship and deep empathy between two peoples who share the same aspiration for independence, freedom, human dignity, and mutual collaboration.
When Angola gained independence in 1975, Vietnam was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with us, initiating a bond marked by fraternity between two geographically distant nations, but united by history and a spirit of solidarity.
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| Angolan Ambassador to Vietnam Fernando Miguel. (Photo: Embassy of Angola in Vietnam) |
Throughout this journey, Vietnam has supported Angola not only politically, but also in areas fundamental to the well-being of the population, such as education and health. Thousands of Vietnamese specialists have worked in Angola, teaching, providing medical care, and sharing valuable experiences; at the same time, some Angolan students and professionals have been trained in Vietnam, becoming living bridges of friendship between our peoples.
A win-win cooperative relationship, but also a symbol of solidarity, trust, and mutual respect between two sister nations. Therefore, the Angola-Vietnam relationship is not simply a partnership; it is a relationship of sharing, mutual assistance and companionship on the path to development and prosperity.
If I had to describe this relationship in a few words, I would choose: "Sincere friendship – Mutually beneficial cooperation – Towards the future."
These words reflect not only the spirit of the past, but also a commitment to the future: to continue cultivating a relationship built on history, strengthened by trust, and oriented towards the common prosperity of our peoples.
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| Angolan Minister of Agriculture Fernando Faustino Muteka visits an agricultural cooperative in Gia Lam District, Hanoi (May 1984). (Photo: VNA) |
In the new stage of development, particularly amid the significant transformations taking place in Vietnam, what are your expectations for the future development of bilateral relations, especially in economic cooperations?
I am convinced that Angola-Vietnam relations are entering a new, more substantial and promising phase of development. After fifty years of friendship and solidarity, we are experiencing a propitious moment to elevate this relationship to a strategic level of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Vietnam is today a dynamic country with remarkable experience in areas such as agriculture, light industry, information technology, education and health sectors that directly impact people's quality of life. Angola, in turn, has vast natural resources, fertile land, a young population and is committed to diversifying its economy. The two economies thus present a natural complementarity that can give rise to a solid, practical, and sustainable South-South strategic cooperation model.
In my view, economic cooperation between Angola and Vietnam should be strengthened along three priority lines:
(i) Agriculture and food security, leveraging Vietnamese expertise in cultivation techniques, variety improvement, and the creation of sustainable agricultural value chains;
(ii) Training and development of human resources, through the expansion of scholarship programs and cooperation in technical and vocational education, areas where Vietnam has recognized expertise;
(iii) Promoting investment and bilateral trade, stimulating exchanges between Chambers of Commerce, investment promotion agencies and the business sector, with a view to implementing tangible projects of mutual benefit.
In the context of globalization, economic cooperation is no longer limited to the exchange of goods but involves the sharing of knowledge, technology, and development vision. I firmly believe that, with a solid political foundation, trust between our Parties and Governments, and the dynamism of our business communities, Angola-Vietnam cooperation in this new phase will not only expand in scale but will also deepen, impacting the lives of our people.
The expectation of strengthening bilateral relations in all areas was reinforced by the State visit of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to the Republic of Angola, held from August 6 to 8, 2025, which allowed for the redefinition of new strategic lines of cooperation between the two countries.
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| Thanh Phuc Group (Hai Phong), a company specializing in manufacturing brick production lines, exports its products to several markets, including Angola. (Photo: VNA) |
Could you please share us your impressions of Vietnam’s development story and aspirations, based on your experience living and working here?
Although I only took up my post in Vietnam in April 2025, I have already had the honor of participating in two events of great historical and symbolic significance for the Vietnamese people: the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975–April 30, 2025) and the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945–September 2, 2025).
These events were not only moments of national celebration, but also living testimonies to the indomitable spirit, self-determination, and aspiration for progress that characterize the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Through the commemorations, I could feel the deep patriotism, national pride, and confidence in the future that animate every citizen of this country.
What impresses me most is the combination of discipline, strategic vision, and creativity that Vietnam demonstrates in its development trajectory. The country is transforming rapidly, focusing on innovation, digital transition, and green and sustainable growth – a modern and global vision without losing its cultural identity.
I am convinced that, with political stability, a spirit of national unity, and the wise leadership of the Party and the Government, Vietnam will continue to achieve great things. And I equally believe that, on this path of progress, Angola and Vietnam – two countries that once shared the dream of independence – will continue to walk side by side, united by the same aspiration for development, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Thanks the Ambassador!
