At the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife will pay an official visit to New Zealand from March 9-11. On this occasion, Executive Director of the Asia-New Zealand Foundation, Ms. Suz Jessep, gave an interview to VNA reporters in Oceania about the above important and meaningful event.
On the sidelines of the 14th annual Pioneers Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin (China), on the morning of June 27, 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA
According to Ms. Suz Jessep, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to New Zealand is truly meaningful. This is an opportunity for both New Zealand and Vietnam to further strengthen the relationship at the highest level and exchange views on a range of important issues for both countries. The fact that Vietnam is sending such a large and high-level delegation to visit New Zealand is a testament to the importance Vietnam attaches to its relationship with this Oceanian country. In 2025, New Zealand and Vietnam will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, the two countries have witnessed significant development in government-to-government cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, promoting comprehensive relations in areas such as defense and security, sports, science, arts and many other areas. Overall, the relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam is very vibrant and that is something to be celebrated. This is also the foundation for the two countries to continue promoting bilateral relations in the future. Ms. Suz Jessep recalled that in 2020, New Zealand and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership. This was an acknowledgement of the closer relationship that the two countries have built together, but also a demonstration of the desire for both countries to continue to work together and promote common interests. New Zealand has worked with Vietnam to develop the agricultural sector, strengthen its capacity to respond to climate change and natural disasters, and support the development of a highly skilled and educated workforce. Vietnam has emerged as a regional hub for trade and innovation, and New Zealand can learn a lot from Vietnam's experience and expertise. Ms. Suz Jessep affirmed that New Zealand and Vietnam have many friends in common, so there are opportunities to cooperate with other countries in responding to climate change and addressing cross-border challenges. Assessing bilateral cooperation in promoting peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, Ms. Suz Jessep said that both countries support a peaceful region governed by the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and freedom of navigation. According to her, protecting and promoting shared prosperity and stability requires New Zealand and Vietnam, together with Southeast Asian countries and other regional powers, to continue to cooperate. Commenting on the prospects of the New Zealand-Vietnam relationship in the coming time, Ms. Suz Jessep said that the two countries have great potential to develop cooperation in most areas. The Asia-New Zealand Foundation is working to help build connections between New Zealand talents and their counterparts in Asia, including young entrepreneurs who are working to come up with solutions to future challenges such as food demand, climate change adaptation, technology, green energy, etc. At the same time, the fund also invests in strengthening connections between the Vietnamese and New Zealand communities, as a basis for developing stronger and deeper national relationships. Ms. Suz Jessep said that the number of Vietnamese students studying in New Zealand is increasing and bringing with them the skills and cultural sensitivity that this Oceanian country needs. In April 2024, the Asia-New Zealand Foundation will bring a group of young New Zealand leaders to Vietnam to learn about the country, its economy, its history and build relationships with young Vietnamese leaders. In May 2024, the Foundation will lead a delegation of arts managers to Vietnam to learn about Vietnam’s growing arts scene and connect with Vietnamese artists. The Asia-New Zealand Foundation will also welcome a delegation of tourism and agribusiness entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, to learn about New Zealand’s agriculture and tourism sectors and share ideas with local partners. Such connections help the two countries develop commercial links and look beyond the commercial lens. Suz Jessep believes this is essential to building stronger and more lasting relationships.
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