Vietnam and New Zealand have held its 7th political consultation in the capital city of Wellington to discuss the implementation of their newly-upgraded co-operation mechanism.
The meeting, held on November 2, was attended by the Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister, Dao Viet Trung, and the New Zealand Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tony Browne.

During the session, the two officials discussed a draft plan of action during the 2010-2013 period for the implementation of their comprehensive partnership in the fields of politics, economics, science and technology, agriculture, transport and communication.

Both sides agreed to soon finalise the plan of action in preparation for signing during the upcoming Vietnam visit by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister early next year.

Vietnam and New Zealand officially established a comprehensive partnership this September during a visit to New Zealand by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh.

They also agreed to organise various political and cultural activities in 2010 to celebrate the 35th founding anniversary of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975).

The two delegations also exchanged ideas on regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to step up co-operation within the framework of international forums including the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum and the United Nations.

They committed to increasing coordination to further promote relations between ASEAN and New Zealand, especially as Vietnam takes the ASEAN presidency next year.

The 8th political consultation will be held in Vietnam in 2011. (VNA)