Sydney (VNA)๊ – Vietnam and New Zealand continue to uphold a dynamic and growing partnership characterised by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the stability and prosperity of the region, said Suzannah Jessep, chief executive at the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Oceania on the occasion of the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Vietnam and his participation in the second ASEAN Future Forum (AFF 2025), Jessep said that while challenges exist, both nations are actively working to strengthen their ties across various domains. On the context when Vietnam and New Zealand celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the two countries have developed a strong and multifaceted relationship, underscored by their Strategic Partnership established in 2020. This partnership continues to foster collaboration across various sectors, including trade, education, defence, and sustainable development. Vietnam is New Zealand's 14th largest trading partner and bilateral trade has seen significant growth, with total two-way trade reaching about 1.3 billion USD in the year ending March 2024. Both nations have set an ambitious goal to increase this figure to 3 billion USD by 2026.

Suzannah Jessep said that the relationship has been bolstered by a number of recent high-level visits and dialogues. In March 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited New Zealand. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters also visited Vietnam in June 2024, focusing on deepening existing cooperation and exploring new collaborative opportunities.

According to her, the possibility that Vietnam and New Zealand could enter a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is an ambition shared by both governments, and one which should be actively pursued. However deeper cooperation may still be required in some areas.

♐ Regarding the New Zealand – ASEAN relations, she said that the relations maintain a strong and enduring relationship, including strong economic ties, strategic partnerships, and numerous people-to-people connections.

ASEAN stands as New Zealand's third-largest trading partner, following China and Australia. In 2023, New Zealand's exports to ASEAN amounted to 5.25 billion USD, representing nearly 10% of the country's total exports. The relationship between New Zealand and ASEAN is underpinned by a Strategic Partnership, with ongoing dialogues and high-level engagements. In April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with ASEAN leaders in Melbourne, The Prime Minister’s presence at AFF 2025 is just the latest in a string of high-level New Zealand government interactions with ASEAN emphasising New Zealand's commitment to strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.

According to Suzannah Jessep, ASEAN countries continue to be major sources of foreign students, tourists, and migrants to New Zealand. Research by the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows the myriad ways in which the Southeast Asian community contributes increasingly to the country's cultural diversity and economic success.

♛ In summary, the New Zealand-ASEAN relationship remains one of deep economic integration, strategic collaboration, and rich cultural exchanges. Both parties continue to work towards addressing challenges and enhancing the partnership, she said./.