HMNZS Aotearoa, measuring 173.2 metres in length and 24.5 metres in width with a displacement of 26,000 tonnes, is the largest tanker and replenishment vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa offered incense and respectfully expressed his deep gratitude to General Võ Nguyên Giáp, former Politburo member, former Secretary of the Central Military Commission, former Minister of National Defence, and former Commander-in-Chief of the Việt Nam People’s Army.

In the lead-up to this landmark occasion, State President Lương Cường addressed leaders around the world with a message underscoring Việt Nam’s spirit of “combating cybercrime - sharing responsibility - looking toward the future”.

Under the revised draft law, the NA and People’s Councils will no longer directly organise thematic supervision missions.

Vietnam and Bulgaria have issued a joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, on the occasion of the official visit to the European country from October 22 to 24 by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam.

In August 1957, President Hồ Chí Minh stayed at the Vrana Palace during his visit to Bulgaria, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in the traditional and multifaceted relations between Việt Nam and Bulgaria.

Vietnam and Africa pledged to continue coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the UN, the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement, serving as bridges to foster collaboration between their respective regions.

Vietnam was elected to the UNHRC for the 2026-28 term on October 14 (New York time), with 180 votes - the highest among Asia-Pacific candidates competing for seats in this body. The 2026-28 term will officially begin on January 1, 2026.

The CPV seeks to promote friendship and cooperation with Bulgarian political parties, including the BSP, and left-wing parties in Bulgaria, with a view to strengthening the political foundation for the future growth of the Việt Nam–Bulgaria Strategic Partnership, the leader stressed.

Within the framework of the Strategic Partnership, Việt Nam and Bulgaria will continue to further deepen cooperation across diverse areas, with a view to bringing tangible benefits to their peoples and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in both regions and the world at large

The US ambassador said he has attached much importance to promoting delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, helping maintain the substantive and positive development of the bilateral relations.

President Ramaphosa, who is on a two-day state visit to Việt Nam, affirmed that Việt Namis a close friend and trusted partner of his country in Asia.

Việt Nam proposed South Africa further open market for its products and facilitate their entry not only into South Africa but also into the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Recalling more than three decades of Việt Nam–South Africa diplomatic ties, President Lương Cường affirmed that the two countries have overcome challenges to emerge as dynamic economies with an increasingly prominent role in their respective regions and on the global stage.

To enhance people-to-people exchanges, the two leaders agreed to build cultural programmes and activities, promote tourism in each country, and encourage air connectivity.

The South African leader Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa described Việt Nam as a close friend and key partner in Asia.

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Hanoi on the afternoon of October 23, beginning a two-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

The Party leader stressed that the new cooperation framework will provide a solid foundation to consolidate and deepen Việt Nam–Bulgaria relations, capitalising on each nation's strengths to ensure both countries continue rapid and sustainable development in the new context.

The two countries have maintained strong political and diplomatic coordination through regular high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, helping to deepen mutual understanding and friendship. They also continue to support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums.

The visit, the first by a South African President to Việt Nam in 18 years, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, following the historic phone call between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and President Ramaphosa on April 22.