In a significant show of South-South cooperation, Vietnam’s National Assembly President, Trân Thanh Mân, arrived in Dakar on 22 July 2025, leading a powerful delegation of 140 officials, including ministers, lawmakers, mayors, and business leaders.
The three-day diplomatic mission reflects Hanoi’s intent to deepen political and economic partnerships with Senegal, with a strong focus on trade and agriculture.
The high-profile visit began with a welcome at Blaise Diagne International Airport by Senegal’s National Assembly President, El Malick Ndiaye. The two parliamentary heads wasted no time in formalizing their collaboration, signing an agreement that established Senegal–Vietnam parliamentary friendship groups.
The pact creates a framework for institutional exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and reciprocal visits aimed at bolstering bilateral legislative ties.
The visit’s highlight came during a meeting between Trân Thanh Mân and Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
Both sides signed a series of memoranda of understanding targeting priority sectors including bilateral diplomacy, rice trade, and agricultural development.
Vietnam’s interest in the Senegalese rice market is underpinned by its global reputation in intensive rice cultivation and export. For Senegal, the deals present an opportunity to ease pressure on food prices and bolster food security.
The agreements also lay the groundwork for technological transfer and the introduction of small-scale agricultural mechanisation in Senegal’s rural regions. Vietnam pledged to encourage private sector investment in these areas, with the goal of strengthening local production and insulating the country against global market volatility.
On 23 July, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hosted Trân Thanh Mân at the presidential palace, closing the visit with a high-level audience that affirmed both nations’ commitment to deepening ties. Discussions extended beyond trade and agriculture to include collaboration in education, vocational training, and institutional governance.
As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the Senegal–Vietnam partnership offers a compelling example of mutual respect and pragmatic diplomacy. The tone of the visit, marked by trust and shared ambition, signals a new era of cooperation between the two nations—one that moves beyond traditional alliances and positions both countries as active players in a multipolar world.
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