Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka, hosted a farewell luncheon in honour of the outgoing Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Mr Hoang Sy Cuong, and the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr Saud Purwanto Krisnawan.
The luncheon was held in recognition of the two diplomats’ distinguished service in South Africa and their invaluable contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and fostering stronger people-to-people ties between South Africa and their respective countries.
The occasion also highlighted South Africa’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia and reaffirmed Pretoria’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with ASEAN member states.
Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong: Advancing a Strategic Partnership between South Africa and Vietnam
During his tenure in South Africa, Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong played an instrumental role in elevating relations between Pretoria and Hanoi to unprecedented levels. His diplomatic efforts culminated in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Vietnam in 2025, which marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
The State Visit resulted in the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between South Africa and Vietnam, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges.
Ambassador Cuong consistently engaged South African government departments, business leaders, academic institutions and civil society stakeholders to promote greater understanding and collaboration between the two countries. His tenure reflected Vietnam’s growing interest in expanding its footprint in Africa, while simultaneously creating opportunities for South African businesses to explore one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
The outgoing envoy leaves behind a strengthened framework for cooperation and a renewed momentum in South Africa–Vietnam relations.
Ambassador Saud Purwanto Krisnawan: Deepening South Africa–Indonesia Cooperation
Ambassador Saud Purwanto Krisnawan was similarly recognised for his dedicated efforts in further consolidating relations between South Africa and Indonesia.
His tenure was characterised by sustained political engagement, increased economic interaction and efforts to unlock opportunities in priority sectors such as tourism, trade and investment. Ambassador Krisnawan played an important role in facilitating President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Indonesia, which provided renewed impetus to bilateral cooperation between Pretoria and Jakarta.
Throughout his diplomatic assignment, Ambassador Krisnawan actively promoted Indonesian culture, encouraged business-to-business engagements and supported initiatives aimed at increasing exchanges between the peoples of South Africa and Indonesia. These efforts contributed to strengthening an already longstanding relationship founded on shared values, solidarity among developing nations and a common commitment to multilateralism.
His contribution has helped position Indonesia as an important strategic partner for South Africa within Southeast Asia.
Strengthening South Africa’s Engagement with ASEAN
As influential members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam and Indonesia have also played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s growing engagement with the region.
Both countries supported South Africa’s admission as ASEAN’s first African Sectoral Dialogue Partner, an important diplomatic achievement that has opened new avenues for cooperation in areas including trade, industrialisation, sustainable development and knowledge exchange.
South Africa’s engagement with ASEAN is increasingly viewed as a strategic pillar of its foreign policy, particularly as Pretoria seeks to diversify economic partnerships and enhance South-South cooperation.
A Farewell and a Reaffirmation of Partnership
The farewell luncheon served not only as a tribute to the exemplary service rendered by Ambassadors Hoang Sy Cuong and Saud Purwanto Krisnawan, but also as an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening relations with Vietnam, Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asian region.
As both diplomats conclude their assignments in Pretoria, their legacies are expected to continue shaping the trajectory of bilateral cooperation, contributing to shared prosperity, sustainable development and stronger ties between Africa and Southeast Asia.
Images: DIRCO
