Vietnam and New Zealand set the tone for improving relations

The main guidelines in this regard were set out at a joint press conference held by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, who on Monday concludes a two-day official visit to that country.

The two governments will work to achieve stability and enhance political and strategic confidence, as well as political and diplomatic cooperation, thus creating a stronger foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across all important pillars of their strategic partnership.

Enhancing cooperation will include the sectors of economy, trade, investment, security, defence, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges.

Other goals set in the official talks between Luxon and Minh Chinh include enhancing scientific and technological cooperation and innovation, developing the green and digital economy, transferring environmentally friendly technology and reducing polluting emissions.

Agricultural development and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor chips, as well as the maritime economy, labor cooperation and vocational training, are other areas in which the two countries intend to strengthen cooperation.

On the other hand, according to the Vietnamese Prime Minister, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and committed to working together to respond to common challenges in the region.

Regarding the issue of the Eastern Sea, the two parties reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security and freedom of maritime and air navigation in those waters, and the necessity of not using force or threatening to use it to resolve disputes.

In this regard, the VNA news agency reported that they agreed to enhance information exchange and maritime cooperation to transform the East Sea into a region of peace, stability, friendship and development.

Minh Chinh's visit to New Zealand puts an end to a tour that began on March 5, during which he previously visited Australia, where he also participated in the special summit to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of relations between that oceanic country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. .

jf/mpm