The event brought together distinguished guests including Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee, and head of its Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation; Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee; Deputy Secretary - Americas and Asia Group of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grahame Morton; officials from New Zealand ministries; along with representatives of New Zealand businesses, organisations, localities, frienship associations, and the Vietnamese community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Phan Minh Giang reviewed Viet Nam’s 80-year journey, during which the country has weathered countless challenges to achieve historic milestones strengthening its national standing, capacity, and international reputation.
Viet Nam is on the threshold of a new historic chapter; thus, the diplomat called on the Vietnamese across the globe to join hands to build a strong, prosperous, and happy nation.
He expressed gratitude for the substantive support that international friends, including New Zealand, have made available to Viet Nam over the past years and affirmed confidence that the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to develop more intensively and extensively toward a prosperous and sustainable future for both peoples.
For his part, Brownlee gave his impressions of Viet Nam's developmental achievements, hoping that the two countries will continue to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to bring tangible benefits to both sides.
Representing the New Zealand Government, Morton applauded Viet Nam’s extraordinary achievements and strong commitment to peace, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development, describing the attainments as a reflection of the country's potential, vision, and solidarity, and also as a source of inspiration for not only the region but also partners like New Zealand.
He emphasised that the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marked a new chapter for their relations, voicing optimism about the robust and sustainable development of bilateral ties with vast potential and opportunities ahead.
The celebration featured a photo exhibition showcasing 50 years of Viet Nam – New Zealand relations and highlighting the Vietnamese culture and people. Guests were treated to distinctive cultural performances as well as Viet Nam’s traditional cuisine.
