At the talks, PM Pham Minh Chinh warmly welcomed Christopher Luxon on his first official visit to Vietnam as Prime Minister of New Zealand, emphasizing the significance of the trip as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and five years of strategic partnership.

He congratulated New Zealand on its economic and social achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Luxon’s government and expressed gratitude for the country’s continued support for Vietnam’s development.

In response, the New Zealand PM showed great joy at visiting Vietnam, applauding the country’s impressive socio-economic growth and its position as one of the fastest-growing economies last year. He reaffirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia, describing it as a trusted and high-potential partner, and expressed his commitment to further propelling bilateral ties forward.

Host and guest were pleased with the robust growth in Vietnam-New Zealand relations, highlighting the increasing political trust and strategic confidence between the two nations. They underscored the importance of high-level exchanges, people-to-people interactions, and the effective operation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening engagement across all fields, supporting each other’s development efforts, and contributing to regional and global stability.

The two PMs noted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which has increased more than fourfold from US$300 million in 2009 to over US$1.3 billion at present. Since 1992, more than 600 Vietnamese officials have received English language and professional training in New Zealand, while over 600 secondary and postgraduate scholarships have been awarded to Vietnamese students under the New Zealand Government’s programs. Additionally, New Zealand has carried out various meaningful development assistance projects, notably initiatives to enhance the quality of Vietnamese avocados, dragon fruit, and passion fruit for exports, as well as projects to improve dam and dyke safety in central provinces.

Building on the solid foundation of bilateral ties and a shared vision for the future, the two leaders agreed to elevate Vietnam-New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This move demonstrates the aspirations of both nations and aims to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond. They also underlined the need to swiftly formulate an Action Plan for 2025–2028 to implement the new partnership framework, outlining concrete initiatives and projects to boost collaboration across a variety of fields.

The two sides pledged to deepen political and diplomatic ties by intensifying high-level exchanges, maintaining bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and effectively implementing signed agreements. They also concurred to augment practical cooperation in defence and security based on mutual trust and understanding, while expanding collaboration in defence industry, military trade, transnational crime prevention, maritime security, and capacity-building for UN peacekeeping missions.

Both leaders stressed the importance of closer economic ties and more effective trade and investment cooperation. They consented to establish a strategy to connect their economies, accelerate negotiations on bilateral agreements in trade and investment, and facilitate market access for agricultural products.

Their goal is to diversify supply chains and achieve US$3 billion in two-way trade by 2026 while doubling bilateral investment.

The Vietnamese Government leader welcomed increased business engagement and affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment for New Zealand enterprises, particularly in high-quality, technology-driven projects.

The two sides also sought breakthroughs in science and technology, digital transformation, green transition, agriculture, and climate change response. New Zealand pledged continued financial, technological, and knowledge-based support to help Vietnam fulfill its international climate commitments, transition to clean energy, and develop renewable energy. Additionally, the country will assist Vietnam in advancing sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in the Mekong Delta.

People-to-people exchanges will be further promoted through enhanced cooperation in education, human resource development, labor, and tourism. New Zealand will continue English language training programs for Vietnamese officials (ELTO), consider increasing visa quotas for Vietnamese citizens under the Working Holiday Program, and facilitate a more supportive environment for the Vietnamese community in New Zealand.

Both sides also encouraged airlines to open direct flight routes and urged localities and universities in both countries to strengthen connections. Earlier that day, at an education forum held at the Foreign Trade University, Prime Minister Luxon announced the New Zealand Government’s provision of 45 secondary school scholarships, 14 university scholarships, and 39 postgraduate scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides agreed that in the face of global and regional uncertainties, fostering dialogue and building trust is essential. They committed to closer coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN, and ASEAN-led mechanisms, while upholding ASEAN’s centrality in the evolving regional architecture.

The New Zealand PM welcomed Vietnam’s role as coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand relations and pledged to further solidify ties with ASEAN, aiming for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the bloc and New Zealand in the future.

The Vietnamese Government chief hailed New Zealand’s stance on promoting the rule of law in the region and advocating for peaceful dispute resolution in the East Sea (South China Sea) in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following their talks, the two PMs held a joint press conference, issued a Joint Statement on the elevation of Vietnam-New Zealand ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and witnessed the exchange of multiple cooperation agreements in diplomacy, climate change, agriculture, healthcare, and education.

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.

New Zealand PM’s visit to benefit relations with Vietnam, ASEAN

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s upcoming official visit to Vietnam is expected to help reinforce ties between New Zealand and Vietnam in particular and ASEAN in general, New Zealand’s former Ambassador to Vietnam James Kember told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter on the thresholds of the trip.