Hanoi and cities in New Zealand will strengthen people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the younger generation, to foster closer ties and friendship between the two countries in the coming period.

Hanoi Mayor Tran Sy Thanh and New Zealand's Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford. Photos: Lien Ha/The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh gave this opinion during a meeting with New Zealand’s newly appointed Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford today [August 27].

During a meeting with the city’s mayor, Beresford underlined New Zealand's commitment to deepening relationships with Southeast Asian nations, particularly Vietnam. She noted that this focus on Southeast Asia dovetails with her discussions with Vietnamese leaders, all aimed at strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Beresford reaffirmed her commitment to advancing this shared vision and emphasized the solid foundation of cooperation with Hanoi as a key springboard for future progress.

She expressed her eagerness to learn about Hanoi’s upcoming development priorities, particularly as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand. The Ambassador mentioned that numerous events are planned in Hanoi to celebrate this milestone and hoped for the city's support in these efforts.

For his part, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh praised the strong cooperative relationship between Hanoi and New Zealand's localities and partners, building on the overall positive ties between the two countries. He highlighted that Hanoi is currently focusing on developing and refining its institutional framework and policies to create and allocate development space for the city.

Hanoi Mayor Tran Sy Thanh presents a souvenir to the Ambassador.

He highlighted the recent passage of the amended Capital Law by the National Assembly and the forthcoming accelerated approval of Hanoi’s Capital Planning for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, and the adjustment of the General Planning to 2045, with a vision to 2065.

“These legal frameworks are expected to provide exceptional mechanisms and policies for Hanoi to leverage its advantages and achieve rapid, sustainable growth with a new profile and status,” Thanh said.

Given the significant demand from residents, Thanh also emphasized the city's commitment to education and suggested that New Zealand continue to facilitate direct partnerships between educational institutions. He also hinted at organizing cultural and educational exchange programs for students from Hanoi and New Zealand.

In addition, he highlighted Hanoi’s efforts to preserve and promote its thousand-year-old cultural heritage while pursuing cultural industry development. These are areas where Hanoi seeks to collaborate with interested international partners, including New Zealand, said Thanh.

The Chairman expressed hope that in the coming period, Hanoi and New Zealand's cities will strengthen people-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generation, to foster closer ties and friendship between the two nations.

He also shared information on the upcoming “Cultural Festival for Peace” to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s liberation, which is expected to draw thousands of participants. The Chairman invited representatives of the New Zealand Embassy to attend this significant event and confirmed Hanoi’s willingness to cooperate with the New Zealand Embassy in organizing activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, the Chairman expressed his hope that the New Zealand Embassy and the Ambassador will continue serving as a bridge, enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, as well as deepening the friendly and cooperative relationship between Hanoi and Wellington in a more practical and effective manner.