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International cooperation

Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations: New Zealand and Via ++t Nam's Flourishing Partnership

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Via ++t Nam, Ambassador Caroline Beresford reflects on the remarkable progress made in their partnership, which has witnessed remarkable growth in various areas. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, the two countries have worked tirelessly to nurture their friendship, cooperation, and understanding. Today, their partnership stands strong, with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership elevating their relations to one of the highest forms of bilateral cooperation in international affairs.

Key Takeaways:

  • New Zealand and Via ++t Nam established diplomatic ties in 1975, marking the beginning of a 50-year journey of cooperation and friendship.
  • The two countries upgraded their diplomatic ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, which was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2020, and most recently, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.
  • Bilateral trade between the two countries is thriving, with Via ++t Nam now New Zealand's 14th largest trading partner, aiming to reach a target of US$3 billion in annual trade turnover in 2026.
  • Education and people-to-people connections are key drivers of the bilateral relationship, with an increasing number of Vietnamese students pursuing education in New Zealand.
  • New Zealand's development cooperation programs in Via ++t Nam focus on areas such as agriculture, disaster management, climate change, education, and supporting vulnerable communities.
  • The New Zealand-Via ++t Nam Dam Safety Project and the New Zealand-Via ++t Nam Health Trust are notable examples of cooperation in these areas.
  • The two countries coordinate closely on global platforms such as ASEAN+, APEC, and ASEM, and are active members of regional trade arrangements like the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (ANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
  • Ambassador Caroline Beresford emphasizes the importance of people-to-people connections, highlighting the role of educational scholarship programs and tourism exchanges in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
  • The New Zealand Government aims to build a closer, stronger, and more comprehensive relationship with Via ++t Nam, with a focus on shared prosperity and security.

Statistics:

  • 1975: New Zealand and Via ++t Nam establish diplomatic ties.
  • 1993: Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Vui Nam makes the first official visit to New Zealand.
  • 1995: New Zealand opens its embassy in Hanoi, while the Vietnamese embassy opens in Wellington in 2003.
  • 2009: Diplomatic ties are upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership.
  • 2020: Relations are elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
  • 2025: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is established between the two countries.
  • 2026: Target of US$3 billion in annual trade turnover between New Zealand and Via ++t Nam.
  • 1997: The New Zealand-Via ++t Nam Health Trust sends working groups to Binh Dinh province.

Sources:

  • New Zealand Ambassador to Via ++t Nam Caroline Beresford (as quoted in the article).
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Government.
  • The article is based on an interview with New Zealand Ambassador to Via ++t Nam Caroline Beresford.

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