Hanoi ceremony marks 50 years of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations
VOV.VN - The New Zealand Embassy in Hanoi hosted a ceremony on June 19 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand (June 19, 1975 - 2025).
Addressing the function, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, on behalf of the government of Vietnam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to generations of leaders and citizens from both countries who have contributed to nurturing the strong friendship over the past five decades.
He noted that Vietnam - New Zealand relations have developed comprehensively and profoundly across all channels and levels. The two countries upgraded their partnership to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, a Strategic Partnership in 2020, and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025.
New Zealand is now one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by strong political trust and close cooperation in defence, security, trade, investment, agriculture, education, science and technology, and climate change response. Two-way trade has seen steady growth, rising from US$300 million in 2009 to over US$1.3 billion last year.
Son thanked New Zealand for its ODA support, which has played a vital role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development. He also highlighted education cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. Since 1992, more than 600 Vietnamese government officials have received English and professional training in New Zealand, which is also an increasingly popular study destination for Vietnamese students.
At the ceremony, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford underscored the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries, saying Both New Zealand and Vietnam are building a deep and lasting partnership, grounded in shared interests, mutual respect for international law, and similar approaches to global issues.
According to the diplomat, both countries have complementary strengths that can support and enhance each other, leading to effective cooperation. She expressed her belief that bilateral broad cooperation will foster cultural understanding, build trust, promote prosperity, and contribute to regional stability.
50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties marked in Wellington
The Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand held a ceremony in Wellington on June 17 evening to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (June 19, 1975 –2025).
