On January 1 every year, Sudanese in their homeland and abroad celebrate their Independence Day. Freedom was achieved in 1956 after 60 years of colonial rule. The struggle against the colonial powers was led by leaders and masses that made great sacrifices for the noble cause. They were inspired in part by the teachings of late President Hồ Chí Minh: “nothing is more precious than independence and liberty”.

This year, the commemoration of our Independence Day takes place at a time when the world at large and the region in particular is witnessing a number of political and economic challenges and changes, Sudan is not exception.

Sudan witnessed important developments during 2016. Domestically, the positive conclusion of the National Dialogue encompassed vast political parties and civil society organisations as well. Diplomatically, Sudan continued to strengthen ties with regional and international partners, and play a positive and constructive role in the region to maintain peace, stability and prosperity.

2016 has also witnessed great strides in the enhancement of bilateral relations with the Socialist republic of Việt Nam. The two countries confirmed the principle of exchange of support in international organisations. Testament to that is the exchange of support in many international organisations and fora during the last year. In order to facilitate the movement of officials between the two states, the Agreement on the Abolition of visa for holders of Diplomatic, special or official passport entered into force effective 6 September 2016.

A number of official visits took place last year involving ministers and other officials. Those include the visit by H.E. the State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Sudan and his delegation to participate in the 2^nd Meeting of the Joint Government Commission, Hà Nội 10-12 October. On the enhancement of the Academic sphere, a delegation from Sudan headed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Gezira visited Việt Nam during the period 12-17 April 2016.  The visit culminated in the signing of 5 MoU with the University of Industry, Hanoi Medical University, Huế University for Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam National University and the Aquaculture Institute No. I. In December 2016, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Special Representative of the Prime Minister to the Affairs of UNESCO Ambassador Phạm Sanh Châu visited Sudan and has a fruitful meeting with MOFA.

The Embassy for its part strives to expand and deepen bilateral relations in all fields, especially trade, economy, commerce and culture. We believe that without people to people contacts, bilateral relations cannot flourish. Several Sudanese businessmen visited Việt Nam last year and the number is on the rise. Another three agreements have already been concluded and are awaiting final signatures: Avoidance of Double Taxation, Co-operation in Culture and Encouragement and Protection of Investments, in addition to the MoU between the two central banks.

The Embassy is also looking to boost co-operation in the field of education and is working with authorities in Việt Nam and Sudan to materialise scholarships for Vietnamese students to study Arabic in Sudan in addition to two scholarships in the field of eye treatment for three years in Khartoum. We are working closely with the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam and the Ministry of Higher Education in Sudan to expedite the process of the 5 scholarships granted by Việt Nam for Sudanese undergraduate students in Vietnamese universities.

The two countries continued their co-operation in agriculture and oil sectors in 2015.

On the political and diplomatic front, the two countries enjoy a good relationship, and Sudanese authorities have consistently benefited from Vietnamese technical and practical expertise. We are confident that next year will see a strengthening of co-operation, especially in the agricultural sector. In 2017, the 5th Round of the Political Consultations between the two countries will be held in Khartoum

Lastly, I would like to extend my best wishes to both Vietnamese and Sudanese people, especially those who live here in Vietnam, for a pleasant and prosperous year full of happiness, heath and wealth. For the New Year, I hope the relationship between Việt Nam and Sudan will be enhanced in all fields of co-operation. — VNS