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| New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford. (Photo: Jackie Chan) |
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford gave an interview to The Gioi va Viet Nam Newspaper on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 - June 19, 2025).
This June is a special occasion for Vietnam and New Zealand as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 - June 19, 2025) and New Zealand celebrates Matariki - the traditional New Year of the Māori people (June 20, 2025). Could you share the significance of these events?
In New Zealand, Matariki is an occasion for people to come together to reminisce about the past, cherish the present and look to the future - these meanings are truly appropriate to describe the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship.
The Māori have a saying: “Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai” (Nourish the seed, and it will bear fruit). Over the past 50 years, our two countries have worked tirelessly to foster friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between our peoples. The seed planted 50 years ago has now grown into a mighty tree, with deep roots and strong branches.
Vietnam and New Zealand are building a deep and lasting partnership, based on shared interests, similar approaches to international affairs and respect for international law. We understand that our two countries’ strengths are complementary and believe that extensive cooperation will help enhance cultural understanding, build trust, bring prosperity and contribute to regional stability.
Now, as Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we can clearly see the positive impact of our bilateral cooperation on the daily lives of our people: from the increasing number of Vietnamese students studying in New Zealand; to the presence of premium New Zealand products in Vietnamese supermarkets; and in rural areas where New Zealand experts are accompanying Vietnamese people on their development journey in the areas of health, education, agriculture , emission reduction and improving public health.
The 50th anniversary of our bilateral relationship is an opportunity for both countries to look back at what has been achieved and look forward to the road ahead. We will continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation for our shared prosperity and security.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on June 9 on the occasion of attending the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit in Nice (France). (Photo: Duong Giang) |
According to the Ambassador, what makes the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship special over the past half century?
Over the past 50 years, we have worked hard to make the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship meaningful to our people, our two countries, and the Indo-Pacific region.
In 2020, we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. In February 2025, during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's official visit to Vietnam, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a new level: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In addition to strengthening political ties through regular high-level exchanges and deepening defence and security cooperation, bilateral trade is also growing strongly. Vietnam is currently New Zealand’s 14th largest trading partner. The two countries are aiming for an annual trade turnover of US$3 billion by 2026.
It is great to see safe, high quality New Zealand food and drink on Vietnamese shelves – just one example of the growing trade relationship between the two countries.
Through its development cooperation programme, New Zealand is also contributing expertise in a wide range of areas, including agriculture, disaster management, climate change, education and supporting vulnerable communities in Vietnam.
However, it is the people-to-people ties that are the real driving force behind our bilateral relationship. More and more Vietnamese students are studying in New Zealand at our world-class educational institutions, and in doing so, are becoming “ambassadors” connecting our two countries.
Many Vietnamese also travel to New Zealand to experience manaakitanga - our famous hospitality. Meanwhile, many New Zealanders also travel to Vietnam to explore the wonders of this beautiful S-shaped country.
New Zealand and Vietnam cooperate closely in global mechanisms such as ASEAN+, APEC, ASEM... We are also active members of a number of important regional trade agreements, including ANZFTA, RCEP, CPTPP, which bring many benefits to both sides and together always support and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
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| Party Central Committee member and Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong received Ambassador Caroline Beresford on May 22 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Passing the half-century milestone, what are your expectations for the future of Vietnam-New Zealand relations?
Over the past 50 years, we have achieved a lot together, but I believe that our two countries have much more potential in the future and look forward to the journey ahead.
A Māori proverb reminds us of the importance of standing together and looking towards the future:
"Ko nga pae tāwhiti whaia kia tata
Ko nga pae tata whakamaua kia tina."
The potential for tomorrow is determined by our actions today. Together, let us continue to work to build bridges connecting our two countries and breathe life into the sustainable Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Thank you very much Ambassador!
| "The Māori have a saying: Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai (Nourish the seed, and it will bear fruit). Over the past 50 years, our two countries have continuously cultivated friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between our two peoples. The seed planted 50 years ago has now grown into a giant tree, with deep roots and strong branches." (New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford) |
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-caroline-beresford-50-nam-gioi-trong-de-hat-giong-viet-nam-new-zealand-vuon-minh-thanh-cay-dai-thu-318183.html
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