At the talks (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his New Zealand counterpart Nanaia Mahuta discussed strengthening cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum during their phone talks on October 8.
They also touched upon coordination and preparations for the APEC 2021 Leaders' Week, scheduled for November 8-12, and ways to promote relations between the two countries.
The ministers rejoiced at intensive and extensive developments of the bilateral strategic partnership, established in July 2020.
Mahuta spoke highly of achievements Vietnam has recorded over the past time, especially in COVID-19 containment and socio-economic development, and thanked the country for its coordination with New Zealand and other APEC members in promoting cooperation priorities in the APEC Year 2021, when New Zealand plays the host.
She briefed Son on New Zealand’s priorities during the APEC 2021 Leaders’ Week, and its agenda, and invited the Vietnamese minister to attend the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting slated for November 8-9.
For his part, Son congratulated New Zealand on its achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control, and socio-economic recovery and development.
The minister thanked and called on New Zealand to continue its donations of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to Vietnam.
He also lauded New Zealand as the host of APEC 2021 as well as its initiatives and contributions to maintaining and fostering APEC collaboration, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accepting Mahuta’s invitation to attend the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting, Son said that as an active and responsible member of APEC, Vietnam will continue its close coordination with New Zealand and other members to contribute to the success of the APEC 2021 Leaders’ Week.
The ministers agreed to maintain the close coordination in multilateral cooperation mechanisms to which both countries are members, enhance bilateral cooperation, and step up the sharing of information and policies in such areas as education-training, agriculture and climate change response./.
VNA
