Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh received visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully in Hanoi on January 26.

At the reception, General Secretary Manh expressed his pleasure with effective cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economics, investment, education and training over the past time.

He suggested Vietnam and New Zealand continue to expand their cooperation to other fields, including culture, science and technology, agriculture, health, security and defence.

The Party leader also thanked New Zealand for its support for and active cooperation with Vietnam at regional and international forums.

He said he believed that the bilateral ties will continue to develop fruitfully in the coming time for the benefit of the two countries’ people as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

For his part, the New Zealand FM expressed his belief in a better bilateral relationship, especially in 2010 when the two countries celebrate the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s renewal and integration achievements as well as its efforts to weather the impact of the global economic and financial crisis. He said he believed that Vietnam will maintain its rapid and sustainable development as well as its improved position in the region and the world.

 

Minister Murray McCully affirmed that New Zealand attaches importance to strengthening multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam at regional and international forums, and supports the Southeast Asian country in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2010.

 (CPV/VNA)