Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Long visits South Africa

Within the framework of the working trip, Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Long had talks with South African Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale in order to concretize commitments on security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.

The two head delegates highly appreciated the comprehensive development of bilateral relations after more than 30 years of diplomatic ties and the significant increase in high-level delegation exchanges in recent years. Notably, during the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the G20 Summit, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.

In the field of security and law enforcement, the two officials noted that transnational organized crime has become a global challenge requiring close cooperation among countries.

They also highly valued the outcomes of information exchange between the two countries’ police forces in combating transnational and hi-tech crimes over the past period, particularly effective coordination through INTERPOL channels and diplomatic missions.

Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale emphasized South Africa’s wish to learn Vietnam’s experience, particularly from the application of technology as a “force multiplier” in policing work to modernize the South African law enforcement force.

To promptly realize their strategic partnership vision, the two sides agreed to enhance delegation exchanges at all levels and accelerate negotiations to the early sign important deals on extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and crime prevention coordination.

In the immediate future, the two sides are expected to organize both in-person and online meetings to share their hands-on experience in digital transformation in policing and combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the South African Ministry of Police will coordinate to build capacity for their officers through training programs on immigration control, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and anti-human trafficking.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate closely in ensuring absolute security and safety for visits of high-ranking leaders. and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens of one country residing and working legally in the other.

Notably, the South African side pledged to actively support and provide security-related information for Vietnam when the country hosts APEC 2027.

During the working trip, the delegation also visited and had a working session with the Orlando District Police Department in Johannesburg.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Long highly appreciated the application of modern technology and innovations by the police forces of the two cities to the mission of maintaining security and order in such complex megacities and major tourist destinations in South Africa.

At the working session, the two sides agreed to strengthen coordination in ensuring safety of visiting high-ranking delegations of the two countries and exchanging information to support the Vietnamese community in South Africa.

In the coming time, local-level police forces of the two countries will promote exchanges of experience in combating urban crime, ensuring tourism security and maritime security.

Within the framework of the visit, Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Long also visited the Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa.