Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon have agreed to upgrade their countries' relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new milestone in more than five decades of their diplomatic ties.

The two leaders reached the agreement during their talks in Hanoi on Wednesday as part of PM Luxon's trip to Vietnam from Tuesday to Friday for an official visit and to attend the second ASEAN Future Forum 2025.

Following their successful meeting, a joint statement on the elevation of bilateral ties was issued, and both leaders addressed the press to announce the outcomes of their talks.

At a joint press conference, Chinh described the agreement as a significant step forward, strengthening political trust and expanding cooperation in defense, trade, climate initiatives, and cultural exchanges.

"We have explored all that our two countries can achieve together, strengthening a relationship that has spanned over five decades and evolved through various stages, including a comprehensive partnership and a strategic partnership," he said before announcing the mutual decision to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinh emphasized that the new partnership aims to reinforce political trust and deepen cooperation across all sectors, aligning with the aspirations and support of both nations.

The partnership is built on five pillars, Chinh said, beginning with deeper political ties, including more high-level exchanges between government officials, lawmakers, and business leaders.

Second, defense and security cooperation will be expanded, focusing on maritime security, peacekeeping efforts, and combating transnational crime.

Economic collaboration will center on trade and investment, with a target of US$3 billion in bilateral trade in the near future. Supply chain diversification and business partnerships will also be strengthened.

Science, technology, and climate change initiatives will play a growing role in the relationship, with both sides working on renewable energy projects, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, particularly in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.

The final pillar includes boosting education, tourism, and labor exchanges, with both governments encouraging airlines to establish direct flights to improve connectivity.

"With the official upgrade of our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership today, Vietnam and New Zealand have entered a new chapter in their bilateral relations with clearly defined areas of cooperation," PM Chinh remarked during the press conference.

PM Luxon highlighted the symbolic significance of 2025 as the Year of the Snake in Vietnamese culture, representing clear-sightedness and transformation – a fitting backdrop for this advancement in relations. 

Reflecting on 50 years of diplomatic ties, he reaffirmed both nations' commitment to achieving mutual benefits for their peoples and the broader region.

Luxon noted that the two sides discussed steps to further enhance economic and trade cooperation to help improve the quality of life for citizens of both nations, while also expanding educational collaboration, including increasing scholarships and visa quotas. 

Expressing his pleasure at witnessing Vietnam’s strong development journey and the 40-percent growth in trade between the two countries over the past five years, Luxon commented that there is still much potential to explore further.

He affirmed Vietnam’s attractiveness as an investment destination, pointing to successful collaborations in agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy.

Additionally, he identified opportunities for expanded cooperation in maritime affairs, education, and defense and security sectors.

Both leaders reiterated their shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. 

PM Luxon expressed a desire to elevate defense and security dialogues and announced plans for a Royal New Zealand Navy ship to visit Vietnam within the year.

Before the press conference, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of eight cooperative agreements covering diplomacy, health, aviation, climate change, and agriculture.

Vietnam and New Zealand established diplomatic ties in 1975, upgraded them to a comprehensive partnership in 2009, and further strengthened the relationship to a strategic partnership in 2020.

Vietnam is now New Zealand’s 13th-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2023 and 2024.

New Zealand ranks 39th among foreign investors in Vietnam, with 55 projects totaling $208 million.

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