President Trần Đại Quang (r) receives newly-accredited ambassadors of South Africa to Việt Nam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI — President Trần Đại Quang hosted separate receptions for the newly-accredited ambassadors of South Africa and Egypt to Việt Nam in Hà Nội yesterday.

At a meeting with South African Ambassador Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro, President Quang expressed his hope that the diplomat will make constructive contributions to the friendship between Vietnam and South Africa.

The leader used the occasion to extend his congratulations to South Africa on the successful organisation of the presidential election, and Cyril Ramaphosa on his win in the election.

The host said he believes that under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Government and people will reap more achievements in national construction and development.

He suggested the two countries join hands in organising pragmatic activities marking the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 100th birth anniversary of President Nelson Mandela in 2018, and soon organise the fourth Vietnam-South Africa Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum in Pretoria.

In reply, the South African ambassador pledged that he will make all-out efforts to maintain and enhance the bilateral relationship, heeding the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries.

At the reception for Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoud Hassan Neyel, President Quang expressed his belief that with his experience and pro-activeness, the diplomat will have significant contributions to fostering the Vietnam-Egypt ties.

President Quang conveyed his greetings to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Ah Sisi while recalling good memories of Abdel Fattah Ah Sisi’s visit to Việt Nam in 2017. He hoped that Egypt will have a successful election in March, 2018, a significant event in the northeast Asian nation.

Regarding the bilateral ties, President Quang wished that Mahmoud Hassan Neyel will work to boost delegation exchanges to fortify friendship and mutual understanding.

Also, he recommended the Egyptian Ambassador work to increase two-way trade value to US$1 billion as set by leaders from both sides, hoping that Egypt will help Việt Nam build a set of Halal food standards used in the country, laying a foundation for exports to the Muslim markets.

Ambassador Mahmoud Hassan Neyel, for his part, said that the Egyptian President expects to welcome President Quang on his state visit to his country, saying that the trip will create a strong impetus for the cooperative ties between the two nations. — VNS