Vietnam, Burundi Cement Political Trust, Substantive Ties

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye met and agreed to further strengthen political trust and substantive cooperation between the two countries. This meeting is based on the long-standing friendly relations between Vietnam and Burundi, aiming for deeper ties. Prime Minister Hung expressed gratitude to President Ndayishimiye and the Burundian government for their support in the smooth operation of Lumitel, the joint telecommunications venture by Vietnam's Viettel Group in Burundi. He proposed that Lumitel continue to be facilitated in its participation in Burundi's e-government and digital transformation projects. He also expressed hope that Lumitel would expand its investment and business activities, becoming a symbol of bilateral cooperation. Vietnam, while continuing its economic growth, is also focusing on strengthening relations with African countries. Relations with Burundi are positioned as part of Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of pursuing political stability and mutual economic benefits. Under its one-party system, Vietnam aims for domestic economic development and increased influence in the international community. Economic cooperation in Africa is particularly important from the perspective of securing resources and developing new markets. Vietnam, which has a complex relationship with China, can view strengthening ties with African nations as part of its diplomatic diversification, especially considering issues like the South China Sea.