Viet Nam, New Zealand promote strategic partnership

The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters.

Both sides were satisfied to witness the positive and effective development of the Viet Nam-New Zealand strategic partnership in such areas as politics and diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, defense-security, education-training, sci-tech, agriculture and people-to-people exchange.

The two sides agreed to work closely to conduct a series of activities in 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of bilateral strategic partnership, including high-level visits and contacts, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Regarding economic areas, they pledged to materialize the goal of US$3 billion in trade turnover by 2026 through enhanced economic connectivity, expanded market access, and effective implementation of existing free trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).

The pair discussed the possibility to set up a direct flight route between the two countries.

They were unanimous in expanding cooperation in new areas including clean agriculture, green economy, digital economy, and energy transition and these areas will be included in an action plan for implementing the Strategic Partnership for the 2024-2027 period.

Regarding regional and global situation, the two sides pledged to maintain regional stability, cooperation and development.

They also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and adhering to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Peters, for his part, said that New Zealand gives top priority to Southeast Asia in its foreign policy. He also voinced New Zealand’s support for ASEAN’s central role. Meanwhile, Bui reiterated Viet Nam’s commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-New Zealand relations in its role as coordinator from July 2024 to July 2027.

He called for stronger collaboration for sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region, with particular regard to climate-resilient agriculture. He also suggested fostering closer ties between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Finally, the two sides agreed to convene the next meeting in New Zealand in 2025./.