New Zealand’s largest naval logistics ship visits Ho Chi Minh City
VOV.VN - The Royal New Zealand Navy’s logistics ship HMNZS Aotearoa, commanded by Commander Rob Welford, arrived at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi International Port on October 23, beginning a five-day friendship visit to Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand (1975-2025).
Caroline Beresford, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, and representatives from Naval Region 2 Command, Military Region 7 Command, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations, and the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defence attended the welcome ceremony.
Commander Welford said the visit comes at a special time as both countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic ties and have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025. He added the visit demonstrates both nations’ commitment to intensifying exchanges, mutual understanding, and defence cooperation.
Measuring 173.2 metres in length, with a 24.5 metre beam and a displacement of 26,000 tonnes, HMNZS Aotearoa is the Royal New Zealand Navy’s largest tanker and replenishment vessel. Built to provide wide-ranging logistical support, the ship is also equipped for humanitarian assistance missions.
HMNZS Aotearoa previously visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 alongside the frigate HMNZS Te Mana. Its return, the second visit in three years, highlights growing defence cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam.
During the visit, the ship’s command team will pay courtesy calls on leaders of the municipal People’s Committee, Military Region 7 Command and Naval Region 2 Command; visit local landmarks; take part in cultural and sporting exchanges; and conduct a joint exercise under the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) with the Vietnam People’s Navy.
Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrated in New Zealand
VOV.VN - The 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945-September 2, 2025) was celebrated by the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand at Parliament House in Wellington on September 22.
Vietnam, New Zealand affirm continued cooperation in development process
New Zealand may share its experience with Vietnam in areas such as national governance, digital transformation, and green development; provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students; and promote student exchanges and cooperation between universities of the two countries, said a Vietnamese Party official.
