Vietnam seeks COVID-19 vaccine, medical support from New Zealand
VOV.VN - Vietnam expects to receive additional support in terms of COVID-19 vaccines and medical equipment from New Zealand to help it combat COVID-19, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told his NZ counterpart Nanaia Mahuta during their phone talks on October 8.
Both Ministers shared the view that the Vietnam – New Zealand strategic partnership established in July 2020 has developed effectively and extensively.
Mahuta spoke highly of the measures Vietnam has adopted to curb the COVID-19 outbreak and sustain economic development. She at the same time thanked Vietnam for actively coordinating with New Zealand and other APEC members in promoting the bloc’s cooperation priorities in 2021 when New Zealand assumes its role as APEC president.
Mahuta briefed Son on New Zealand’s preparations for the APEC Leaders’ Summit Week to be held online from November 8-12, and invited Minister Son to attend the 32nd Joint Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Ministers Responsible for Trade (AMM) on November 8-9.
For his part, Minister Son congratulated New Zealand on its COVID-19 control success and economic recovery, thanked the country for donating vaccines to Vietnam, and suggested that New Zealand continue to provide Vietnam with vaccines and medical equipment.
He highly appreciated New Zealand’s role as the host of APEC Year 2021 and its active initiatives and contributions to promote the bloc’s cooperation, despite the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister happily accepted the invitation to attend the joint ministerial meeting in November, and affirmed that, as an active and responsible member of the forum, Vietnam has been and will continue to coordinate closely with New Zealand and other members to contribute to the overall success of this year'’ APEC Leaders’ Summit Week.
The two ministers agreed that Vietnam and New Zealand will continue to closely coordinate at multilateral forums, promote bilateral cooperation, enhance information and policy sharing in the areas of their strength such as education and training, agriculture, and climate change response, in order to contribute to strengthening the Vietnam - New Zealand strategic partnership.