New Zealand PM’s visit to tighten bonds with Vietnam: Ambassador
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford described a relationship as a piece of cloth and its structure like threads woven together for strength, saying that PM Christopher Luxon’s trip to Vietnam set sights on tightening these threads, particularly in the current unpredictable global context.
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - New Zea𒁏land Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s official visit to Vietnam from February 25 to 28 aims at reinforcing and expanding relations with the Southeast Asian nation – a leading partner of New Zealand in the region and the🧜 world, a diplomat has said.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford described a relationship as a piece of cloth and its structure like threads woven together for strength, saying that PM Luxon’s trip set sights on tightening these threads, particularly in the current unpredictable global context.
Reflecting on the half-century of the bilateral relations and five years of the Strategic Partnership, the diplomat noted the remarkable progress from initial education scholarship programmes to today’s comprehensive collaboration in the domains of politics, economy, agriculture, sustainable development, climate change, and research.
A significant development step was the inaugural Vietnam - New Zealand Oceans Dialogue in December last year, establishing new pathways for discussions on maritime interests and cooperation, she said, adding both nations have worked together on issues of mutual concern and had consistent approaches in supporting international order and the rule of law. She underscored that both countries strongly advocate for free and open trade for their prosperity.
Agriculture has been a cornerstone in the Vietnam - New Zealand cooperation. (Photo: VNA)
The ambassador expressed her hope that the visit will yield new business opportunities, with more than 20 leading New Zealand business leaders accompanying the Prime Minister planning to sign new cooperation agreements with Vietnamese partners. She said that while traditional areas of cooperation like agriculture and education will continue to be strengthened, New Zealand's latest scientific and technological advances could be leveraged to add value to these sectors, helping to elevate the bilateral ties to a new height.
During his stay, PM Luxon will attend the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, which Beresford praised as an important initiative by Vietnam to discuss the bloc’s future amidst global uncertainties.
She laid stress on New Zealand's strong support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s central role in maintaining regional stability and prosperity, noting the country will continue to consolidating its relations with ASEAN, which are going to enter the 5th year of Strategic Partnership this year, while strengthening its cooperation ties with Vietnam within the ASEAN framework./.
Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung underscored that by consolidating strategic political trust, creating breakthroughs in economic and trade cooperation, and transcending collaboration to new areas, Vietnam and New Zealand will capitalise on their potential towards a prosperous future
During his official visit from February 25-28, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will meet with Vietnamese leaders, discussing ways to enhance the strategic partnership as well as methods for bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon will pay an official visit to Vietnam and attend the second ASEAN Future Forum 2025 from February 25-28.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
