>>> PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds talks with PM Jacinda Ardern
>>> Vietnam, New Zealand issue joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
Speaking at a banquet hosted by his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern after their talks in Auckland on March 13, the Vietnamese PM conveyed his sincere thanks to the hosts’ warm welcome for him and the members of the Vietnamese delegation, saying that he was particularly impressed by the Maori welcoming dance at the official reception for the Vietnamese delegation earlier the same day.
He said that in recent years, and now, under the leadership of PM Ardern, the highest growth rate of the OECD was achieved in New Zealand. Despite positive integration and development, the country has maintained its unique cultural identity, he added.
Informing attendees at the event of the results of their talks, PM Phuc said that the two sides have been pleased to see that since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2009, the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship has been fruitfully promoted, with increasing political trust resulting from high-level visits. The most recent being the very successful visit by PM Ardern to Vietnam for the APEC 2017 summit. After the talks, the two sides signed several important cooperation documents in areas in which they have advantages.
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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc expresses his belief that the two sides will soon reach their set goals with the effort and determination of the leaders and people of both countries. (Photo: VGP)
In particular, the two sides have cooperated well in the negotiations and signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade pact, offering a great chance to develop economic cooperation and creating a premise for upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership at the earliest opportunity, for the common interests of the two peoples.
Regarding the Maori proverb on the values of cooperation, as held dear by the first inhabitants of the nation, the visiting PM believes that with the efforts and determination of the leaders and peoples of the two countries, the two sides will soon reach great goals, following the spirit of the Maori adage.
Sharing the outlook of her guest, PM Ardern said that today's talks between the two leaders were a success. She said that diplomatic relations have been tightened, while bilateral trade reached a very high level of US$ 1.7 billion, particularly in processing and agriculture. In the field of tourism, the two sides also made considerable achievements, with growth up 32% over the previous year. Exchange activities not only occur in tourism but also between the people of both countries.
PM Ardern said she saw many young Vietnamese come to New Zealand to study. With this momentum, the two sides will soon expand relations in many fields, she added, affirming that New Zealand considers Vietnam as an important strategic partner.
