Top leader begins NZ visit, receives Acting President of NZ-VN Friendship Society

The top Vietnamese leader was welcomed at the airport by New Zealand Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grahame Morton, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford, and Divisional Manager for South and Southeast Asia at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Susannah Gordon. On the Vietnamese side were Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang, his spouse, and embassy staff.

Over the past 50 years since establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam and New Zealand have continuously built a solid foundation for bilateral ties. New Zealand holds strong capabilities in breeding, post-harvest technology, value chain management, and low-emission agriculture, while both sides are expanding cooperation in smart agriculture, climate change adaptation, and carbon markets in line with Vietnam’s green growth goals. The state visit underscores Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to its relations with New Zealand, aiming to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more practical and effective manner.

Shortly after his arrival in Auckland, To Lam held his first activity by receiving Steven Joyce, Acting President of the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Society, and prominent members of the society.

To Lam expressed his delight at meeting Joyce and the society's members, noting that holding the meeting as his first activity in New Zealand showed the warm sentiments and close ties between the two peoples.

He glowingly spoke of the positive contributions and dedication of the society’s leadership and members in promoting bilateral ties, particularly in education, the economy, agriculture, science, and technology. Their activities have not only spread friendship among New Zealanders and the Vietnamese community in the country, but also strengthened the social foundation for bilateral relations.

Reviewing more than 50 years of diplomatic ties, the top Vietnamese leader hailed the strong, comprehensive, and deepening development of Vietnam - New Zealand relations. The elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 opened a new development phase,  propelling cooperation across politics, foreign affairs, defense, security, trade, culture, education, science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges forward. He added that Vietnam plans to establish a Vietnam - New Zealand Friendship Society as a counterpart to further enhance connections and practical friendship between the two peoples.

Highlighting the vast potential for future cooperation, To Lam expressed hope that the society will continue acting as a bridge to further forge bilateral relations. He urged prioritizing education and training while bolstering cooperation in science, technology, climate change response, trade, and green and clean agriculture. He also asked for continued support for the Vietnamese community in New Zealand to help them stabilize their lives, integrate well, and contribute to both their host and home countries.

In response, Steven Joyce warmly welcomed To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation. He highlighted key society activities in strengthening people-to-people exchanges, educational cooperation, tourism, and support for Vietnamese students in New Zealand.

Expressing appreciation for To Lam’s recognition,  the Acting President affirmed the society’s readiness to support the Vietnamese community, enhance its role as a bridge, and make practical contributions to bilateral friendship and cooperation, while wishing To Lam and his high-level delegation a successful state visit.

Party and State leader To Lam meets Australian business leaders

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam received leaders of several Australian businesses in Canberra on the morning of August 12 (local time) during his state visit to Australia.

Vietnam, NZ look to stronger cooperative ties on top leader To Lam's state visit

VOV.VN - Vietnam and New Zealand are looking to deepen political trust and forge their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the occasion of a state visit by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and State President To Lam from August 12 to 14, at the invitation of Governor-General Cindy Kiro.