Prime Minister meets Speaker of New Zealand House of Representatives

The Prime Minister praised the steady and comprehensive progress of the relations between Viet Nam and New Zealand, especially since their elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Viet Nam in February 2025.

He said the new framework marks the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral ties, and urged both sides to turn high-level agreements into practical outcomes. He also thanked New Zealand for its active support for Viet Nam's development.

Brownlee, for his part, expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Pham's support and described Viet Nam as an important partner of New Zealand. He affirmed that the New Zealand Government and Parliament place great importance on advancing relations with Viet Nam as part of the country's regional strategy, pledging strong parliamentary backing for all-around cooperation.

He also voiced full support for the five major orientations proposed by his host, including: strengthening political and diplomatic ties through high-level visits, exchanges, and bilateral mechanisms, and effectively implementing signed agreements; developing an economic connectivity strategy, expediting trade and investment agreements, facilitating agricultural market access, and working toward US$3 billion in two-way trade turnover by 2026; expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as the green and digital economies, digital transformation, science-technology, innovation, and climate change response; enhancing defense and security collaboration, as well as coordination in UN peacekeeping operations; deepening people-to-people links, education, and training exchanges.

Brownlee noted that both countries share a common interest in promoting multilateral trade and stable supply chains, which underpin global growth and prosperity. He also praised the contributions of the Vietnamese community in New Zealand.

The two leaders agreed to boost cooperation in education and training, promote student and researcher exchanges, and explore the possibility of establishing a direct air route to foster tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

They further underscored the importance of closer consultations, information sharing, and policy coordination amid complex global and regional developments. Both sides pledged to continue working together at regional and international forums, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, while supporting New Zealand's stronger engagement with ASEAN./.