Vietnam and New Zealand Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 50th Anniversary
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and New Zealand have marked a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations by upgrading their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of diplomatic cooperation. The announcement was made during a meeting between National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Hanoi on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Luxon was in Vietnam for an official visit and to attend the second ASEAN Future Forum. National Assembly Chairman Mẫn expressed optimism about the new phase in the bilateral relationship, stating that the upgraded partnership would foster deeper, more strategic, and trusting cooperation between the two nations.
“The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a key step forward in our relations, and I am confident it will open up a new phase of closer collaboration,” Chairman Mẫn said. He also praised the productive discussions between the New Zealand Prime Minister and Vietnamese leaders, expressing his belief that both countries would work closely to implement the agreements and goals set under the new partnership.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral exchanges, particularly through high-level delegations and parliamentary committees. They also expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation into new areas, including climate change response, green energy transition, climate-smart agriculture, and the green economy.
Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged Vietnam’s impressive economic growth and social equity and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in several key areas. He noted that New Zealand would continue assisting Vietnam in enhancing the quality of agricultural products for export and in efforts to adapt to climate change. Furthermore, New Zealand will maintain its educational support for Vietnam, particularly in English training for public officials, and encourage New Zealand’s major universities to build stronger ties with Vietnamese institutions to help develop high-quality human resources.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international coordination, agreeing to support each other at various forums. Prime Minister Luxon expressed strong support for ASEAN’s central role and reiterated New Zealand’s hopes of establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the regional association.
As part of the diplomatic engagement, National Assembly Chairman Mẫn extended an invitation to Gerry Brownlee, Speaker of New Zealand’s House of Representatives, for an official visit to Vietnam. Prime Minister Luxon, in turn, expressed hope to host Chairman Mẫn in New Zealand at a mutually convenient time.
The upgraded partnership marks a promising chapter in the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and New Zealand, with a shared focus on advancing mutual interests in multiple strategic sectors.
