In February 1974, the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (NLFSV) commended the 1961 attack on Cassanje, the first battle of Angola's war of independence. In January 1975, Nguyễn Hữu Thọ, the leader of NLFSV, gave his "warmest greetings" to the leaders of the (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA), National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)) following the signing of the Alvor Accords. In late October, Nhân Dân, the Vietnamese Communist Party's official newspaper, effectively endorsed the MPLA, condemning the "imperialist forces and South African racists". Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng recognized the People's Republic of Angola on November 12, the day after President Neto declared independence.
