FM Minh spoke highly of the contributions Riddell has made to effectively strengthening relations between Vietnam and New Zealand during her working term.

He said these contributions helped promote the relationship between the two countries to comprehensive partnership in September 2009, and lift bilateral friendship and all-faceted cooperation to a new height. 

The FM congratulated Riddell on receiving the Friendship Order from President Truong Tan Sang. 

Riddell thanked Vietnamese ministries, sectors, branches, political and social organisations and partners for their support and cooperation. 

She affirmed that in a new position, she will continue to positively contribute to further strengthening friendship and cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam.