- Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Viet Nam's President and Party General Secretary, To Lam, have agreed new steps to advance the New Zealand-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
"This visit has been about putting our partnership to work and delivering benefits for both countries," Mr Luxon says.
"When we met in Ha Noi last year, we marked 50 years of diplomatic relations by elevating our relationship. Today we have backed that ambition with action."
The leaders discussed growing trade and investment, reducing barriers, expanding links in science and technology, and deepening cooperation on peacekeeping, maritime security and transnational crime. They announced five outcomes spanning agricultural cooperation, market access, education, defence, and climate-smart agriculture.
"These outcomes will open new opportunities for exporters, strengthen education and security links, and support farmers and health professionals," Mr Luxon says.
An agricultural package will expand two-way market access, including for New Zealand honey and deer products and Vietnamese cut flowers and foliage, while further support for climate-smart agriculture will build on work that has lifted farmer profits and cut rice emissions by 50 per cent.
"His Excellency To Lam's visit has set a clear direction for the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship for the decade ahead," Mr Luxon says.
"We are committed to turning today's agreements into results for people in both countries."
General Secretary and President To Lam's visit is the first State visit to New Zealand by a President of Viet Nam since 2007.
