Vietnam, New Zealand Launch Knowledge Network

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met separately with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines, on July 22. During these meetings, Minister Trung expressed interest in establishing a "Vietnamese Knowledge Network" with New Zealand, indicating a readiness to further deepen cooperation between the two nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its readiness to work with other ministries and agencies to facilitate cooperation and connect Vietnamese enterprises with their Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Vietnam also indicated its willingness to work with New Zealand to advance ASEAN–New Zealand relations in a more substantive manner, contributing positively to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. This move reflects Vietnam's efforts to strengthen its intellectual and economic ties with other countries, particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian region. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth and seeks to attract technology and investment through enhanced international relations. Strengthening ties with friendly nations like New Zealand is particularly important in Vietnam's foreign policy, especially given its complex relationship with China.