Hanoi (VNA) - New Zealand takes great pride in the growth of its partnership with Vietnam, a relationship that has become increasingly meaningful to both countries and their peoples, and the wider Indo-Pacific region, said New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand (June 19, 1975 – 2025), Ambassador Beresford described the journey as remarkable. For 50 years, the two countries have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Reflecting on key milestones, the ambassador noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, the relationship has steadily strengthened. In 1993, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet became the first Vietnamese government leader to visit New Zealand. Two years later, New Zealand opened its embassy in Hanoi, followed by Vietnam’s establishment of an embassy in Wellington in 2003.
In 2009, the two countries elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, and in 2020, they upgraded the relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Most recently, in February 2025, Vietnam and New Zealand entered into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, one of the highest levels of international cooperation, reflecting a dynamic, effective, and forward-looking relationship.
According to the ambassador, the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership affirms the enduring strength of bilateral ties. Built on shared interests, similar approaches to international issues, and a mutual respect for international law, Vietnam and New Zealand are forging a deep, long-term partnership. Their complementary strengths provide a strong foundation for broadening cooperation, enhancing cultural understanding, building trust, and promoting prosperity and regional stability.
Economic and trade cooperation remain top priorities. Bilateral trade is thriving, with Vietnam currently New Zealand’s 14th largest trading partner. The two sides are working toward the goal of reaching 3 billion USD in annual trade by 2026.
People-to-people exchange and education collaboration are considered vital drivers of the partnership. An increasing number of Vietnamese students are choosing to study in New Zealand, becoming "true ambassadors" of both countries. At the same time, many Vietnamese travel to New Zealand to experience its renowned hospitality manaakitanga, while New Zealanders continue to visit Vietnam to discover its rich culture and landscapes.
Through its development cooperation programmes, New Zealand has been sharing expertise in agriculture, disaster management, climate change, education, and support for vulnerable communities in Vietnam.
Political relations have also deepened, with increased cooperation in defence and security, and regular high-level exchanges. The visit to New Zealand by Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh in 2024 and PM Christopher Luxon's Vietnam visit in February 2025 marked the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Beyond bilateral ties, Vietnam and New Zealand actively collaborate in multilateral forums. Both are also members of key regional trade agreements including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which bring significant benefits to both sides.
Together, the two countries support peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. They are united in their efforts to uphold the international rules-based order and to promote cooperation in regional and global forums.
Ambassador Beresford emphasised that the Vietnam–New Zealand relationship is a valuable asset shared by the peoples of both countries. People-to-people connections are the true engine of the partnership, she noted. These connections are strengthened through educational scholarships, tourism exchanges, and cultural experiences that deepen mutual understanding.
Over the past five decades, the two countries have achieved remarkable progress together. The New Zealand Government is committed to building a closer, stronger, and more comprehensive relationship with Vietnam. Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed confidence that the relationship holds vast potential and that both sides will continue to explore new avenues for cooperation to advance shared prosperity and security./.
