SA signs diplomatic relations with Vietnam

With the processes of the dismantling of the apartheid system and preparations for democratic rule under way, the Republic of South Africa opened itself to the outside world. Diplomatic ties were signed between South Africa and Vietnam in 1993. In July 2000, Vietnam opened its embassy in Pretoria, while the SA embassy was opened in Ha Noi in 2002. SA diplomat in Tokyo, Elisabeth Erasmus, was appointed South African Charge d'Affaires, the country's highest representative to Vietnam. According to Erasmus, the two countries had common interest in promoting closer economic relations, as South Africa was the gateway to Southern Africa and even to Africa, whereas Vietnam played an important role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. In addition to trade, cooperation could be extended to education and the transfer of technology in certain sectors such as infrastructure. And in October 2013, a Vietnamese delegation traveled to South Africa as part of a bilateral initiative to combat rhino poaching. It is believed that Vietnam is the largest importer of smuggled rhino horns.