Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong received visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Hanoi. At the talks, The prime minister stressed the importance of mutual international forums and the UN. Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong expressed his hope that the two countries would further bilateral ties to realise their 2013-2016 Action Programme which aims to deepen the existing comprehensive partnership toward a strategic partnership between the two countries.
On the same day, PM Key was received by State President Truong Tan Sang. The state president appreciated New Zealand’s support for Vietnam at international forums and Vietnam’s views on issues related to the East Sea. He said the international community, including New Zealand, plays a crucial role in maintaining regional peace, pushing ahead with the adoption of the Code of Conduct on the East Sea (COC), and not militarising, expanding, or complicating the situation.
PM Key’s work schedule in Hanoi also included a meeting with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. At the meeting, PM Key said New Zealand wanted to expand co-operation with Vietnam in politics, economics, trade, investment, and exchanges.
