Praising Vietnam's development achievements and its foreign policy of independence, Peters affirmed that New Zealand has treasured the nation’s increasing role in the region and international arena, especially within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He noted that the bilateral relations have continued to thrive in recent years, especially through high-level meetings, notably the official visit to New Zealand by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in March this year.
The Deputy PM stressed there remains significant potential to further enhance the New Zealand-Vietnam strategic partnership towards the establishment of a new relationship framework in the near future.
The leader affirmed that New Zealand agencies will closely collaborate with their Vietnamese counterparts to step up practical cooperation, particularly as the two countries will celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2025.
Having expressed his gratitude to New Zealand for its valuable support and assistance to Vietnam, especially since the outset of the country’s Doi Moi (reform) period, Trung praised New Zealand's achievements and prosperity across various fields.
He affirmed that the CPV and Government of Vietnam always highly value and want to strengthen the strategic partnership with New Zealand.
The official proposed several directions to enhance collaboration in various channels, including the relationship between the CPV and major political parties in New Zealand as well as the two countries’ cooperation at regional and international forums and in key areas where New Zealand has strengths and Vietnam has development needs such as education, agriculture, high technology, and climate change response.
