Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had a meeting with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, on June 9.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters (Photo: VGP)

At the meeting Son expressed his joy with the the strong development in the bilateral relations, especially after the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to Viet Nam in February.

The two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements and outcomes from the visit, with a focus on promptly formulating an action programme to carry out the newly elevated partnership framework.

Son proposed further opening market to each other's agricultural products, toward the goals of diversifying supply chains, striving for bilateral trade of 3 billion USD by 2026 and doubling two-way investment. He called on New Zealand to continue its official development assistance (ODA) to Viet Nam and and promote closer cooperation in education.

Peters welcomed Viet Nam’s role as the coordinator of ASEAN–New Zealand relations and expressed his wish that both sides will boost the ASEAN-New Zealand ties, toward the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand in the near future.

The ministers also discussed strengthening coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations, including Viet Nam’s candidacy for key UN agencies. They agreed to bolster cooperation between New Zealand and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms, as well as between Viet Nam and Pacific island nations.

(Source: VNA)