APEC 2017: Vietnam bolsters ties with NZ, Papua New Guinea

At their meeting, Minh and Peters expressed their satisfaction with strong development of the Vietnam-New Zealand comprehensive partnership as well as cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.

They affirmed to work closely in carrying out the bilateral Programme of Action during 2017-2020 in order to further deepen the bilateral ties.

Minh asked New Zealand to continue technical assistance and facilitate the export of Vietnamese agricultural products, while Peters suggested the two sides pay attention to boost cooperation in their strong fields such as trade, labour, tourism, and health.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed to continue close coordination, particularly in ASEAN mechanisms, to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Papua New Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato

The New Zealand guest announced that his country’s Government will provide 500,000 NZD (US$347,700) for Vietnam to tackle consequences of storm Damrey, which hit Vietnam’s south central coast on November 4. Following downpours and floods had claimed 89 lives and left 18 missing and 174 others injured in central and Central Highlands localities as of November 7.

On this occasion, the two Deputy PMs signed the Vietnam-New Zealand Programme of Action for 2017-2020.