New Zealand PM Extols Relations With Vietnam

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has highlighted the forthcoming visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung as testament to the time-tested friendship between the two countries.

There are opportunities for expansion in many areas which will greatly benefit both countries, said PM John Key ahead of PM Nguyen Tan Dung's trip on March 19-20.

Over the past four decades, the relationship has progressed in a multitude of fields since the two nations established a comprehensive partnership in 2009. 

NZ Prime Minister said he hopes Vietnam and his nation will continue increasing cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture, aviation, tourism and food safety.

Vietnam is a valued partner for New Zealand in the region, John Key said while emphasizing the increasingly important role of cooperation between his country and Vietnam in ASEAN.

He suggested both nations to work hand in hand at regional forums, including APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), and the East Asia Summit (EAS).