At a reception for visiting Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Finance of New Zealand Bill English in Hanoi on September 16, PM Dung confirmed that the Vietnamese Government will continue to do its utmost together with the New Zealand side to effectively implement cooperation agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders for the common development of both sides.

He proposed New Zealand increase scholarships for Vietnamese students, while expressing hope that the two sides will foster cooperation in culture and people-to-people exchange, thus strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Besides, PM Dung also suggested that the two sides continue their close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, and New Zealand continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country.

He also voiced his hope to foster ties with negotiating members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), including New Zealand , saying that this is an important agreement that will open up new cooperation prospects and bring practical benefits to its member states.

Bill English said his country always attaches importance to promoting its all-round ties with Vietnam , adding that the two nations see great potential for cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment, for the practical benefits of both sides.

New Zealand is always willing to enhance education cooperation with Viet Nam , while staying ready to work with Viet Nam and other member countries to successfully conclude the TPP negotiations in an early date, he noted.

The same day, PM Dung also received visiting Japanese Minister of Defence Itsunori Onodera, during which he affirmed Viet Nam’s constant policy of attaching special importance to the strategic partnership with Japan for peace and prosperity in Asia.

Appreciating the outcomes of the strategic partnership between the two countries, PM Dung said he hopes the two sides will continue supporting each other at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations.

He hailed the results of the talks between Minister Itsunori Onodera and his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phung Quang Thanh, and expressed his wish that the two ministries will further boost their cooperation through regular dialogues, meetings and delegation exchanges.

PM Dung asked the Japanese side to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam in personnel training and support the country’s participation in international peace-keeping activities.

Minister Itsunori Onodera told his host that the two defence ministries have reached high consensus on a number of cooperation realms, including human resources training, bomb and mine clearance, and military technology.

He proposed that the Vietnamese Government back cooperation activities between the two ministries, making bilateral defence ties deeper and more practical and effective.