A delegation from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Vietnam is on a working visit to South Africa from September 26 to October 1.

The Vietnamese delegation had a working session with its host on the draft memorandum of understanding on biodiversity conservation and protection of rare wild animals, including the fight against illegal hunting, trading and trafficking of rhinos.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Director of the General Department of Forestry of Vietnam, affirmed that as a member of CITES, Vietnam always tries to follow the convention to the letter and is ready to cooperate with other members, including South Africa.

He said Vietnam always attaches importance to protecting the ecological environment and seriously tackle all violations of laws on natural conservation, including the trade of endangered wild animals.

Vietnam is carrying out research into rhino horn to raise public awareness of the need to protect rhinos, Tuan added.

Fundisile Mketeni, Deputy Director of the South African biodiversity and natural conservation agency, praised Vietnam’s active participation in CITES, saying the two countries had agreed to boost cooperation in biodiversity conservation and protection of rare wild animals.