Diplomacy's First Kiss: Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong Bids Farewell to South Africa
By Anisha Pemjee
3 July 2026
"If I may say that diplomacy is my first love, then South Africa is my very first kiss. How sweet and memorable a first kiss is."
With these words, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong captured the affection and gratitude he feels for the country that marked the beginning of his diplomatic journey as he and his spouse Phuong Vu hosted a farewell celebrating Vietnamese cuisine in Pretoria.
South Africa is Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong's first posting as an ambassador, making his departure both a professional milestone and a deeply personal moment.
The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, friends and partners to experience the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. Setting official matters aside, Ambassador Cuong spoke about food as a universal language that transcends borders and connects people.
The embassy sought to bring a taste of Hanoi and other regions of Vietnam to Pretoria through a menu featuring traditional dishes, including crispy spring rolls, PHỞ BÒ, BÁNH MÌ, and other specialities rooted in the country's rice culture.
"As diplomats, we travel the world and enjoy great food and fine dining experiences, but nothing will ever compare to our mothers' home cooking," he said. "Food is not just about ingredients. It is about love, memory and the comfort of home."
The ambassador explained that Vietnamese culinary traditions are founded on the philosophy of balance and harmony, shaped by the country's wet-rice civilisation. Rice occupies such an important place in Vietnamese society that it forms part of everyday expressions of care and hospitality.
"In Vietnam, instead of asking, 'How are you?', we ask, “Bạn ăn cơm chưa” which directly translates to "Have you eaten your rice yet?" he told guests, explaining that the greeting reflects care and concern for the person's wellbeing.
The afternoon's extensive spread was prepared by embassy staff, their spouses and members of the Vietnamese community in South Africa, offering guests an authentic glimpse into Vietnam's culinary heritage.
During his tenure, Ambassador Cuong witnessed important developments in relations between Vietnam and South Africa. A major milestone came with the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to South Africa for the G20 Leaders' Summit in 2025, which led to the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation.
READ ALSO: Vietnam - Land of Heritage
READ ALSO: Vietnam at 80 - From Đổi Mới to Vision 2045
READ ALSO: Vietnam is a Responsible Member of the International Community
READ ALSO: Vietnamese Pho Celebrated in South Africa
Ambassador Cuong consistently promoted stronger economic ties, increased people-to-people exchanges and collaboration in areas including the digital economy, sustainable development and South-South cooperation. He also supported high-level engagements between the two countries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to Vietnam in 2025.
Reflecting on his years in South Africa, Ambassador Cuong spoke of the lasting impact the country has had on him and his family. "We are leaving a piece of our soul in South Africa," he said. "We came here as representatives of Vietnam, but we will return to Vietnam as ambassadors of South Africa."
It was a farewell marked by the sharing of food, memories and friendships forged over the course of a memorable first diplomatic posting.
(Photos credit: VNA/Embassy of Vietnam/TDS)