National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted a welcome ceremony for New Zealand's Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, at the National Assembly this morning. Mr. Brownlee is on an official visit to Vietnam from 27/8 to 31/8, marking the first high-level visit since the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the subsequent meeting, Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized that Mr. Brownlee's visit was a significant milestone, marking a new step forward in the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries, particularly in parliamentary diplomacy.
 |
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man welcomes New Zealand Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee. Photo: National Assembly Portal |
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man welcomes New Zealand Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee. Photo: National Assembly Portal
Chairman Man proposed that both sides continue to consolidate and strengthen political ties through high-level visits and exchanges, and promptly finalize an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to concretize the new relationship framework. The two countries should coordinate closely and support each other at multilateral parliamentary forums, share legislative and oversight experiences, and enhance cooperation between the two National Assembly offices.
Regarding defense cooperation, the Chairman requested New Zealand's support in training and capacity building for Vietnam's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
He also suggested both sides implement breakthrough measures to achieve a trade turnover of 3 billion USD by 2026, leveraging each other's complementary goods to promote the export of each country's advantageous products, while maximizing benefits from the free trade agreements (FTAs) to which both are members.
He praised New Zealand's initiative on the Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability Agreement and expressed Vietnam's desire to learn from New Zealand's experience in developing clean and high-tech agriculture.
The Chairman also proposed expanding cooperation in education, training, labor, and tourism, including establishing direct flights to enhance people-to-people exchanges. He further requested New Zealand to increase the visa quota for Vietnamese citizens participating in the Working Holiday Program.
 |
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man at the meeting. Photo: National Assembly Portal |
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man at the meeting. Photo: National Assembly Portal
Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee stressed the need for both countries to deepen bilateral relations in the context of current regional and global security challenges.
He affirmed that New Zealand is willing to consider increasing imports of Vietnam's strong products, thereby helping bilateral trade grow and soon reach the 3 billion USD target.
Both sides will continue to coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums, especially at the United Nations, ASEAN, and ASEAN-led forums, as well as cooperate and coordinate their positions on international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the South China Sea, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed Vietnam's desire to make practical contributions to promoting ASEAN-New Zealand relations, including working towards establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework and organizing a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership in 2025.
Pham Giang
