Addressing the event on behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son stressed that 50 years ago, when Vietnam had just achieved independence and national reunification, New Zealand was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
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Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son (left) and New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford at the celebration on June 19 |
Over the past half-century, the bilateral relationship has been continuously nurtured, strengthened, and comprehensively developed, achieving remarkable progress. The two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, a Strategic Partnership in 2020, and in February this year officially upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - the highest level of diplomatic ties that Vietnam has established with another country.
According to the minister, 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 defense and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties. Key areas of cooperation such as agriculture, education, science and technology, and climate change response have continued to be intensified. Two-way trade has steadily increased over the years, from 300 million USD in 2009 to more than 1.3 billion USD at present.
Vietnam highly appreciates and sincerely thanks the Government of New Zealand for its official development assistance (ODA) support, which has made a significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic development, the minister said, affirming that in recent years, people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly vibrant, contributing to stronger mutual affection, cultural interconnection, and closer bonds between the two countries.
On the international stage, Vietnam and New Zealand have consistently supported each other, shared a common vision of peace and sustainable development, and remained committed to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, added Son.
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford emphasized that over the past 50 years, the two countries have continuously worked together to nurture friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between their people.
According to the diplomat, Vietnam and New Zealand are building a deep and long-lasting partnership, grounded in shared interests, similar approaches to international issues, and mutual respect for international law.
Both nations understand that their strengths are complementary, and believe that extensive cooperation will enhance cultural understanding, build trust, bring prosperity, and contribute to regional stability, she affirmed.
Source: VNA