Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hascongratulated outgoing New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Wendy Matthews on hersuccessful tenure in Vietnam.

During a reception in Hanoi for the ambassador on December10, PM Phuc expressed his thanks to New Zealand PM for his active contributionsto ASEAN’s cooperation areas, especially in national defence.

He affirmed that ties between Vietnam and New Zealand havealways been close at all levels in various areas, adding that Vietnam wants tolearn from New Zealand’s experience in startups and innovation, as well as inthe preservation of culture and good learning environment.

The Vietnamese leader said two-way trade between the twonations, at over 1 billion USD, does not match their potential, and wished thatboth nations would continue tapping their strengths to lift the figure in thecoming time.

Hailing New Zealand’s control of the COVID-19 pandemic, hesaid the Vietnamese Government has been striving to curb its spread and protectpeople’s safety.

Ambassador Matthews said the year 2020 marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic ties and congratulated Vietnamon successfully performing the role of ASEAN Chair during the year.

New Zealand wants to learn from Vietnam’s experience inorganising online conferences, she said, adding that the upgrade of bilateralties has been a testament to the close and trustworthy ties between the twonations.

According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic has offered chancesto New Zealand firms to step up investment in Vietnam.

The ambassador said in education, the two countries’universities have upheld the spirit of innovation in investment and training. Shehoped that in the near future, more Vietnamese officials and students willcontinue studying in New Zealand.

She offered sympathy to people in central Vietnam over theserious losses caused by recent flooding, and said New Zealand wants tocontinue working with Vietnam on disaster prevention and control./.