APEC 2017: Vietnam bolsters ties with NZ, Papua New Guinea
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters, and Papua New Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato on Nov 9.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters (Source: VNA)
DaNang (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham BinhMinh hosted separate meetings in Da Nang city on November 9 with his NewZealand counterpart Winston Peters, and Papua New Guinean Minister of ForeignAffairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato within the framework of the APEC EconomicLeaders’ Week.
Attheir meeting, Minh and Peters expressed their satisfaction with strongdevelopment of the Vietnam-New Zealand comprehensive partnership as well ascooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.
Theyaffirmed to work closely in carrying out the bilateral Programme of Actionduring 2017-2020 in order to further deepen the bilateral ties.
Minhasked New Zealand to continue technical assistance and facilitate the export ofVietnamese agricultural products, while Peters suggested the two sides payattention to boost cooperation in their strong fields such as trade, labour,tourism, and health.
Theyalso exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern,and agreed to continue close coordination, particularly in ASEAN mechanisms, tomaintain peace and stability in the region.
TheNew Zealand guest announced that his country’s Government will provide 500,000NZD (347,700 USD) for Vietnam to tackle consequences of storm Damrey, which hitVietnam’s south central coast on November 4. Following downpours and floods hadclaimed 89 lives and left 18 missing and 174 others injured in central andCentral Highlands localities as of November 7.
Onthis occasion, the two Deputy PMs signed the Vietnam-New Zealand Programme ofAction for 2017-2020.
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Papua New Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato (Source: VNA)
Inanother development, Minh and Papua New Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs andImmigration Rimbink Pato agreed to continue close coordination to step uphigh-level visits and people-to-people exchanges, and intensify cooperation insuch potential fields as agriculture and fisheries.
Minhspoke highly of Papua New Guinea’s backing for the APEC Vietnam Year 2017,affirming to support and share experience to help the country organise the APECYear 2018 successfully.
Heasked Papua New Guinea to maintain cooperation with Vietnam in solving issuesrelated to Vietnamese fishermen and fishing vessels in the humanitarian andfriendship spirit.
Acknowledgingthe proposal, Rimbink Pato requested both sides to consider the possibility ofcooperation in fishing.-VNA
Hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum for a second time shows that Vietnam is an active and responsible member of the group, making effective contributions to APEC’s development after 19 years of membership.
Vietnam became a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum 19 years ago, an important milestone in the implementation of the Party and State’s external policies of expansion, diversification and multilateralisation of relations and international economic integration.
The government and people of Vietnam have done excellent preparation for APEC 2017 and Papua New Guinea wants to learn from Vietnam, said Rimbink Pato Obe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Papua New Guinea, host of APEC 2018.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters (Source: VNA) 
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Papua New Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato (Source: VNA)
