Việt Nam appreciates New Zealand’s support for its stance on the East Sea dispute and would like it to continue, Việt Nam Fatherland Front President Trần Thanh Mẫn said on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Khánh Linh

WELLINGTON — Việt Nam appreciates New Zealand’s support for its stance on the East Sea dispute and would like it to continue, Việt Nam Fatherland Front President Trần Thanh Mẫn said on Tuesday.

Meeting with Trevor Mallard, Speaker of New Zealand’s House of Representatives, in Wellington, Mẫn also called for continued support from the New Zealand parliament and government for the Vietnamese community in the country, particularly in activities related to the preservation of Vietnamese culture and language. 

There are nearly 7,000 people of Vietnamese origin in New Zealand.

Mẫn said Việt Nam was willing to share its experiences in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit with New Zealand, who will host APEC 2021.

Mẫn is the very first foreign guest that Mallard received since his taking office on November 7.

On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was happy to see the increasingly profound and practical co-operation between New Zealand and Việt Nam on the basis of the comprehensive partnership established by their leaders.

He informed the Vietnamese official of the advantages in New Zealand’s education system. He said that through education and training co-operation, New Zealand would expand and reinforce its fine relationships with countries, including Việt Nam – an important partner in Southeast Asia.

About 2,500 Vietnamese students are studying in New Zealand.

Through Mẫn, Mallard conveyed an invitation for National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân to visit New Zealand. He also reminded the Vietnamese official of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s invitation to her Vietnamese counterpart Nguyễn Xuân Phúc to pay a visit to New Zealand.

Mẫn had a brief meeting on Tuesday with PM Ardern, who attended the APEC 2017 Summit held in the central city of Đà Nẵng last month.

Trade and investment co-operation between Việt Nam and New Zealand has progressed well with two-way trade growing about 20 per cent annually.

Both sides expect the bilateral trade to reach US$1.7 billion in 2020, up from $900 million in 2016. At present, New Zealand ranks 41 out of 120 countries and territories investing in Việt Nam. There are 28 investment projects from New Zealand with a total registered capital worth nearly $102 million functioning in the country.

A direct flight route connecting Auckland and HCM City was opened in June 2016. — VNS