Vietnam attaches importance to mutually-beneficial collaboration with New Zealand (NZ).

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the remark while receiving visiting NZ Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman in Hanoi on November 25.

PM Dung highly valued the outcomes of Minister Coleman’s talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Phung Quang Thanh, saying they will contribute to strengthening the fine friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Government leader said the Vietnam-NZ relationship is developing in various fields and the ties have brought practical benefits to both sides.

He also spoke highly of NZ’s role at regional forums and voiced his wish that NZ will support ASEAN’s efforts to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, reach a Code of Conduct (COC) and ensure maritime security and safety in the East Sea.

The Vietnamese Government supports the connections between the two defence ministries, particularly in navy and personnel training, thus increasing mutual understanding and cooperation for mutual development, said the Vietnamese PM.

Minister Coleman affirmed the New Zealand Government attaches special importance to promoting cooperation with Vietnam in all fields.

During his visit, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to increase consultations in multilateral forums and bilateral dialogues, boost naval ties and provide English language training for Vietnamese military personnel, he said.

The NZ minister affirmed to support Vietnam at regional forums and in its peacekeeping activities as well as back ASEAN’s efforts in the implementation of the COC.-VNA