Vietnam, South Africa work to protect biodiversity

HANOI, 31 March (VNA) - Vietnam treasures the multi-faceted cooperation with South Africa , especially in biodiversity protection, as both countries boast some of the most diversified ecosystems in the world. Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen, who led a Vietnamese delegation to South Africa from March 21-29, confirmed this while working with Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabidfhasi on March 24. Tuyen said the Vietnamese Government hopes to enhance work together with nations and international orgainsations in the field. The country has approved a national strategy and enforced a legal framework to conserve biodiversity, he noted. He specified that Vietnam has ratified a number of international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi hailed the visit as a joint effort by the two governments and people to deepen their bilateral partnership. She also shared her positive impression on Vietnam during her visit to the country. Responding to reporters from the Vietnam News Agency, Mabudafhasi underlined the significance of the visit, which is seen as a next step in realising the content of the bilateral memorandum of understanding signed in December 2012 in Hanoi, and an action plan inked in May 2013 in Pretoria.-VNA