Vietnam, New Zealand hold third defence policy dialogue
Vietnam and New Zealand have agreed to outline a cooperation plan for the next three years with a view to elevating the defence collaboration to a new high, making it on par with the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and New Zealand haveagreed to outline a cooperation plan for the next three years with a view toelevating the defence collaboration to a new high, making it on par with thestrategic partnership between the two nations.
The agreement was made at the third Vietnam-New Zealand defence policy dialogueheld via video conference on December 2. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of DefenceSenior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Secretary of Defence and ChiefExecutive of the Ministry of Defence of New Zealand Andrew Bridgman co-chairedthe event.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed their pleasure with the two nationscelebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and theupgrade of the ties to the strategic partnership in 2020. They described thoseas favourable conditions to promote defence cooperation in the fields ofdialogue, consultation, delegation exchange, training, intelligence, UN peacekeeping activities, maritime security, and COVID-19 pandemic prevention andcontrol.
They agreed to study the organisation of annual meetings at ministerial levelon the occasion of official visits and on the sidelines of multilateral eventsfrom next year.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, Chien highlighted outcomes of themultilateral defence activities hosted by Vietnam in the role as the ASEANChair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, thereby affirming Vietnam’sefforts in maintaining and promoting cooperation momentum within the frameworkof the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus for mutual benefitsof ASEAN and its partners.
Meanwhile, Andrew laid stress on New Zealand’s support for the centre role ofASEAN, and spoke highly of Vietnam’s initiatives for the region in the pasttime.
Touching on regional and international issues of mutual interest, both sideswere unanimous about the common perception on the principle of respectinginternational law, the settlement of disputes via peaceful means, and no use offorce or threat to use force.
Chien took the occasion to thank New Zealand’s defence ministry for its timelysupport for Vietnam in recent storms and floods.
He said he respected the New Zealand government’s assistance worth 117,000 USDfor Vietnam to overcome consequences of natural disasters./.
Trade between Vietnam and New Zealand tripled over the last decade, from 320 million USD in 2009 to over 1 billion USD in 2018, and the figure is expected to hit 1.7 billion USD this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
New Zealand highly evaluated Vietnam’s role as Chair of ASEAN 2020, especially amid the challenging and unusual circumstances, said Alison Mann, New Zealand's Senior Official for APEC, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and SEAN.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 17 sent a congratulatory message to his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern over the victory of the New Zealand Labour Party and PM Ardern herself in the general election held on the same day.
The seventh meeting of the Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC) between Vietnam and New Zealand was held online on October 23, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh and New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic Vangelis Vitalis.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 14 called on New Zealand to open its door wider for goods and agricultural products of ASEAN countries as the sides have substantial potential for cooperation.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
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.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (Photo: VNA) 
