New Zealand, Vietnam maintain dynamic and growing partnership
VOV.VN - Vietnam and New Zealand continue to promote a dynamic and expanding partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
Despite existing challenges, both countries have been actively working together to boost ties across a variety of fields. This was affirmed by Suzannah Jessep, Executive Director of the Asia-New Zealand Foundation, in a recent media interview on the occasion of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's official visit to Vietnam and his participation in the ASEAN Future Forum under the theme "Building a united, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN in a changing world."
As Vietnam and New Zealand mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, Jessep highlighted the robust and multifaceted nature of their ties, particularly since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2020. This partnership has significantly enhanced bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, education, defense, and sustainable development.
Vietnam is currently New Zealand’s 14th-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade growing substantially to nearly US$1.3 billion in 2024. Both countries have set an ambitious target of raising this figure to US$3 billion by 2026.
Jessep noted that recent high-level visits and bilateral engagements have further reinforced the relationship. In March 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited New Zealand, while in June 2024, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters traveled to Vietnam, aiming to deepen existing cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
She also emphasized that elevating bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a shared aspiration of both governments and a goal that should be actively pursued. However, she pointed out that further cooperation in certain areas remains essential to realizing this ambition.
New Zealand PM’s official visit – a milestone to elevate bilateral ties
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum from February 25-28 will mark a significant milestone which is expected to pave the way for the two countries to elevate their ties, Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung said.
