Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha visited New Zealand and Australia from November 20 to 25.

In New Zealand, he met with Speaker of Parliament Gerry Brownlee and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, as well as other ministers.

In Australia, he had meetings with Senate President Sue Lines, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles, Deputy Speaker of the House, and Chair of the Australia–Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group Sharon Claydon, along with several ministers.

During these exchanges, Deputy Prime Minister Ha shared updates on the recent natural disasters that caused widespread damage in Vietnam, calling for continued cooperation and support from both countries in disaster recovery and in broader environmental and climate change efforts.

Expressing solidarity with the Vietnamese government and people, New Zealand announced a 3 million NZD aid package, while Australia pledged 3.8 million AUD to assist in flood recovery.

Leaders from both nations affirmed their strong bilateral cooperation and described the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a historic milestone.

They agreed on specific actions to enhance effectiveness in cooperation across economic, investment, trade, defense, security, tourism, culture, and education.

Acknowledging the untapped potential in economic and trade relations, all parties emphasized the need for tighter economic integration and more effective investment and trade cooperation.

Vietnam and its partners pledged to advance economic connectivity and the signing of new agreements to facilitate market access - especially for agricultural products - with the goal of diversifying supply chains.

Deputy Prime Minister Ha reiterated that Vietnam is committed to creating a favorable investment environment for businesses from New Zealand and Australia, particularly in high-quality and high-tech projects.

He also shared Vietnam’s development vision for the new era and highlighted national priorities in strategic infrastructure such as railways, airports, energy, and digital transformation.

Australian leaders noted that investment funds from Australia are increasingly interested in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, and are actively planning to expand their operations in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Ha commended the roles of both governments in driving global efforts on environmental protection and climate response.

The parties agreed to strengthen breakthroughs in cooperation in science and technology, digital and green transformation, agriculture, and climate adaptation.

Leaders of New Zealand and Australia committed to continuing their support for Vietnam in terms of financial resources, technology, and expertise to help the country fulfill its international climate commitments and advance its energy transition.

Deputy Prime Minister Ha also requested that both countries increase the number of scholarships offered to Vietnamese students and facilitate conditions for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in their territories.

Tran Thuong