The special plane carrying General Secretary and President To Lam departed Australia, landing at Auckland International Airport this afternoon, according to Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).
The visit is at the invitation of New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro, marking General Secretary and President To Lam’s first visit to the country as Party and State leader.
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Officials, staff of the Embassy, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in New Zealand welcomed General Secretary and President To Lam. Photo: *Vietnam News Agency*. |
General Secretary and President To Lam later met with Steven Joyce, acting chairman of the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Society, and several key members in Auckland.
General Secretary and President To Lam acknowledged the society’s activities have fostered Vietnam - New Zealand relations, spreading friendship among New Zealanders and the New Zealand-Vietnamese community, thereby strengthening the social foundation for bilateral ties.
He expressed hope that the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Society will continue to serve as a bridge, advancing bilateral relations. He emphasized education and training as a key cooperation area, alongside science and technology, climate change response, economy, green agriculture, and clean agriculture.
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General Secretary and President To Lam and Steven Joyce, acting chairman of the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Society. Photo: *Vietnam News Agency*. |
General Secretary and President To Lam also urged the society to support the Vietnamese community in New Zealand, helping them integrate, stabilize their lives, and contribute to both the host country and Vietnam.
Acting Chairman Steven Joyce affirmed his personal commitment and the society's readiness to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in New Zealand. He pledged to enhance the society’s bridging role and make further practical contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
This afternoon, General Secretary and President To Lam also met with officials and staff of the Embassy of Vietnam in New Zealand, presenting a statue of President Ho Chi Minh to the Embassy.
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General Secretary and President To Lam presented a statue of President Ho Chi Minh to the Embassy of Vietnam in New Zealand. Photo: *Vietnam News Agency*. |
Vietnam and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on 19/6/1975, and will elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2/2025. According to Vietnam customs, total bilateral trade turnover in 2025 reached 1.5 billion USD.
Vietnam ranks as New Zealand's 12th largest trading partner, while New Zealand is Vietnam's 41st. The Vietnamese community in New Zealand numbers approximately 14,000, with 8,000 long-term expatriates residing primarily in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
Vu Hoang
