Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung (R) and Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand (Photo: VNA)
Sydney (VNA) – Vietnam and the Cook Islands on April 26 set up their diplomaticrelations.
A Joint Communiqué announcing the establishment was signed in Wellington, New Zealand, by Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung, who is on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, and ElizabethWright-Koteka, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, who is on behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands.
The two sides agreed to officially establish their diplomaticties at the ambassadorial level from the date of signing the Joint Communiquéand apply the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations in the twocountries’ relationship.
After the signing ceremony, Ambassador Trung discussed withHigh Commissioner Elizabeth about activities to enhance mutual understandingand develop solidarity and friendship between the two peoples.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to intensifycollaboration in their advantageous fields such as tourism, agriculture andfisheries, and exchange experience in climate change response and COVID-19prevention and control.
They were also unanimous to coordinate at Asia-Pacificforums as well as in United Nations (UN) organisations.
With this move, Vietnam has had diplomatic relations with190 countries around the world. Vietnam is the 57th country in the world andthe sixth in ASEAN that the Cook Islands has officially set up diplomatic relationswith.
The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific, with apopulation of 20,200 (2019’s data) and 15 main islands. It boasts rich marineand ocean resources, including fisheries and pearling./.
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About 120 paintings by 90 Ukrainian painters depicting the beauty of Vietnam’s nature and people are now on display at an art exhibition in Kyiv to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam-Ukraine diplomatic ties (January 23, 1992 – 2022).
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.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung (R) and Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand (Photo: VNA) 
