New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday evening to begin his official visit and participate in the second ASEAN Future Forum from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

The top New Zealand leader and his delegation were welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, and members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his visit, PM Luxon will hold formal talks with PM Chinh, and meet with other high-ranking leaders from the Vietnamese Party, state, and law-making National Assembly.

While in Hanoi, PM Luxon will attend and deliver a speech at the second ASEAN Future Forum, held from Tuesday to Wednesday, highlighting New Zealand's commitment to strengthening ties with the 10-nation bloc, particularly as both sides celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung, 2025 marks a milestone -- the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of the strategic partnership between both nations.

Ahead of the visit, during a press interview, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford revealed that PM Luxon’s delegation includes more than 20 business leaders looking to expand partnerships in Vietnam. 

The New Zealand government leader will visit Ho Chi Minh City, where multiple trade agreements are on the agenda to be signed.

Beresford emphasized that the visit is not just about commemorating 50 years of bilateral ties but to deepen economic cooperation and open new trade and investment opportunities.

Under PM Luxon's foreign policy approach, New Zealand is pursuing a strategy of 'resetting' international relations with Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, just after Australia and Pacific Island neighbors.

PM Luxon has met his Vietnamese counterpart twice -- during PM Chinh’s visit to New Zealand in March 2024 and at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos in October 2024.

PM Luxon also met Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Peru in 2024, underscoring the growing engagement between the two nations.

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