Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening the comprehensive partnership with New Zealand in all fields.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made this affirmation while meeting with New Zealand’s Governor-General Jerry Mateparae on April 16 during his visit to NZ starting from April 14 at the invitation of NZ Deputy PM and Finance Minister Simon English.

Deputy PM Phuc congratulated NZ on its achievements in the cause of national construction and development, especially in restoring Christchurch city after earthquake.

He said he believed that NZ will continue to gain greater achievements, affirming its position and role in the region and the world.

He also stressed the importance of increasing mutual visits by high-ranking delegations and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The Governor-General of NZ congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements and expressed his pleasure to see closer relations between the two countries.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s potential, affirming that NZ will cooperate more closely with Vietnam to further boost the two countries’ relations in the future, especially in economics, trade, investment, tourism, education and training.

The same day, Deputy PM Phuc held talks with Deputy PM and Finance Minister Simon English.

Deputy PM English welcomed Phuc’s visit, saying he believes that the visit will contribute to further consolidating and enhancing relations between the two countries.

He also extended thanks to the Vietnamese Government and people for their support to NZ in restoring earthquake-devastated Christchurch .

Deputy PM Phuc highly valued the effective assistance and cooperation NZ has provided to Vietnam .

The two sides spoke highly of the fine developments in their comprehensive partnership and agreed on measures to complete the Vietnam-NZ action plan in the 2010-2013 period, in order to develop the two countries’ relations more widely, deeply and effectively.

The two sides agreed to increase high-level meetings and boost people-to-people exchanges, especially in education, training and tourism.

They also agreed that the two countries should make more efforts to tap their potential and take advantages of opportunities to enhance trade and investment.

NZ highly valued investment potential in Vietnam and promised to create conditions for Vietnam ’s commodities to enter the NZ market, especially seafood and tropical fruit.

NZ pledged further provision of ODA to Vietnam , especially in education and training.

The two sides affirmed their intention to continue to cooperate with each other at regional and international forums, including supporting each other’s candidacies to UN agencies as well as in the negotiations of the Trans Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement.

They both agreed on the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom in the East Sea .

Deputy PM Phuc also had separate meetings with New Zealand ministers.

At his meeting, Foreign Minister Murray McCully informed Phuc of his plan to visit Vietnam later this year.

Justice Minister Judith Collins said she agreed to consider the development of a judicial assistance agreement between the two countries, in order to create a legal basis for increasing cooperation in the area.

Meanhile, Attorney General Christopher Finlayson also affirmed New Zealand ’s willingness to boost cooperation with Vietnam in the field of justice.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said New Zealand will continue supporting and closely working with Vietnam in education and training.

Deputy PM Phuc witnessed the signing of a cooperative agreement between the two ministries of education and training.

Earlier on April 15, the Deputy PM had a meeting with major New Zealand businesses in Auckland , hailing their efforts in coordinating with Vietnamese partners to accelerate trade and investment promotion.

NZ firms highly valued Vietnam’s potential and investment climate, expressing their interest in cooperation with Vietnam, especially in dairy product processing, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, aviation and construction materials.

During his stay in New Zealand, the Deputy PM visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington and met with the Vietnamese community, briefing them on Vietnam’s socio-economic development and encouraging them to uphold tradition and national characteristics, particularly the Vietnamese language.-VNA