Vietnam, New Zealand vow to beef up bilateral relations: Deputy FM

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang has underlined that the elevation of Vietnam – New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year carries historic significance and reflects both governments’ strong resolve to translate commitments into concrete actions that benefit their people and businesses.

While receiving New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford on August 19, Giang stressed the importance of preserving a peaceful, stable environment and a rules-based regional order.

He agreed to coordinate closely with New Zealand within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, bolster economic and trade ties, and explore new growth drivers, thereby contributing to stronger Vietnam – New Zealand and ASEAN – New Zealand relations as well as regional development.

Giang noted the positive progress of ASEAN – New Zealand cooperation, particularly the full implementation of the 2021–2025 Joint Action Plan, and emphasised the need to identify strategic areas of shared interest for inclusion in the next five-year plan.

Beresford highlighted that 2025 will mark a major milestone for New Zealand, celebrating 50 years of relations with both Vietnam and ASEAN.

She spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in New Zealand’s foreign policy, pledging continued efforts to align Vietnam’s socio-economic development priorities and external policy with New Zealand’s strengths to ensure cooperation programmes deliver tangible results.

The Ambassador also highly appreciated Vietnam’s active contributions as Coordinator for ASEAN – New Zealand relations in advancing and upgrading the dialogue partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN – New Zealand ties./.