The two ministers expressed their pleasure at the growth of the Viet Nam-New Zealand strategic partnership.

Mahuta thanked Viet Nam for having actively coordinated with New Zealand and other APEC members in promoting the forum’s cooperation priorities in 2021.

She announced that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week will be held in virtual format from November 8-12, extending her invitation to her Vietnamese counterpart to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place from November 8-9.

Meanwhile, Bui congratulated New Zealand on its achievement in management of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

He extended thanks to New Zealand for having gifted Viet Nam with vaccines, calling on New Zealand to continue vaccine and medical supply donations to Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese minister spoke highly of New Zealand as the host of APEC 2021 as well as its initiatives and positive contributions to sustaining APEC cooperation amid the complicated evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic

Bui confirmed his attendance at the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting, adding that as an active and responsible member, Viet Nam will continue close coordination with New Zealand and other members to contribute to the success of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week this year.

The two ministers agreed to continue working closely in multilateral forums to which both countries are members, enhancing bilateral cooperation and the sharing of information and policies in such fields like education, agriculture, climate change adaptation in a bid to further consolidate the two countries’ strategic partnership./.