Vietnam, New Zealand strengthen defence cooperation
Vietnam and New Zealand have agreed to enhance cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, cyber and maritime security, and in the Experts Working Group (EWG) mechanism within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus).
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh (left) in his meeting with New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark. (Photo: VNA)
Sydney (VNA) – Vietnam and New Zealand haveagreed to enhance cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, cyber and maritimesecurity, and in the Experts Working Group (EWG) mechanism within the frameworkof the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus).
It was amongplans the two countries outlined for their defence cooperation between 2018 -2020 when Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Senior LieutenantGeneral Nguyen Chi Vinh and New Zealand Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter co-chaired the third Vietnam-NewZealand Defence Policy Dialogue in Wellington on November 7.
WelcomingVinh, Quilter said the visit would strengthen the comprehensive partnershipbetween the two countries and their defence ties with a vision towards astrategic partnership in the time ahead.
NewZealand highly values Vietnam’s role in the region and wants to join hands withVietnam to contribute to peace, stability and development in the region, thesecretary of defence noted.
Vinh,for his part, affirmed that Vietnam always treasures defence cooperation withNew Zealand, saying despite geographical distance, the two countries’ partnershiphas proved to be effective, benefiting their people and national development.
Thetwo officials exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest, including counterterrorism,maritime security and the role played by regional powers.
Theyalso agreed to continue the exchange of high-ranking delegations and exchangesbetween research institutes; maintain consultation and dialogue mechanisms; andfoster cooperation in training.
Vinh later metwith New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark who said he highly appreciated the outcomesof bilateral defence cooperation in recent years.
During his visitto New Zealand from November 5-7, Vinh and Chief of the New Zealand DefenceForce Lt Gen Tim Keating signed an agreement on cooperation in peacekeepingtraining between the two countries. -VNA
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh hailed efforts made by Vietnam and New Zealand in developing their comprehensive partnership steadily towards a future strategic partnership.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and visiting Foreign Minister of New Zealand Murray McCully have agreed to continue fostering development momentum to lift the bilateral relations to a higher level during their talks in Hanoi on April 24.
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan hosted separate receptions in Hanoi on April 25 for Australian and New Zealand Ambassadors to Vietnam Craig Chittick and Wendy Matthews.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh (left) in his meeting with New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark. (Photo: VNA)
