Rt. Hon Helen Clark
9/05/2005
Joint Declaration of Cooperation between NZ and Viet Nam
Declaration
The 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between New Zealand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is an occasion
to highlight the steady growth in goodwill, co-operation and achievements between the two countries. Both countries
acknowledge the increasing importance of the bilateral relationship and are resolved to further develop relations
between Viet Nam and New Zealand.
The visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in October 2003 and the visit of
the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to New Zealand in May 2005 have set the stage for a new era of
bilateral co-operation.
Over the coming decade, the two partners declare they will seek to strengthen their friendly relations and co-operation
and create a stable, long-term and broad-based partnership for the 21st century.
International Affairs
The two countries will enhance their bilateral relations on the basis of respect for the fundamental principles
enshrined in the United Nations Charter and other international instruments, particularly those of mutual respect for
independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and
mutually beneficial co-operation.
The two countries acknowledge the vitally important role of the United Nations in maintaining world peace, security and
development. Both countries support the strengthening of the United Nation’s role in promoting international security as
well as efforts to reform the United Nations with a view to enhancing the efficiency of this international body.
Consultations and co-operation on regional and international affairs will continue through mechanisms such as the
regular bilateral Foreign Ministry Consultations, exchanges and frequent high-level contacts, with the aim of further
cementing existing political ties, creating new momentum for bilateral co-operation, and supporting each country’s
closer integration into regional and international arrangements.
Regional Development
As active members of the Asia-Pacific community, the two countries support wider efforts to bring peace and security to
the region, and to foster regional economic development.
Both countries recognise the important role played by ASEAN in ensuring peaceful progress in South East Asia and the
value of dialogue on regional issues in the context of their bilateral relations. New Zealand commends the concept of
the ASEAN Community comprising three (economic, security and socio-cultural) pillars. Both New Zealand and Viet Nam will
cooperate closely in appropriate regional organisations, especially ASEAN, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Viet Nam welcomes and supports the New Zealand Government’s positive attitude towards accession to the Treaty of Amity
and Co-operation.
Economic Environment
Effective participation in the world economy calls for the two countries’ involvement in international and regional
trade arrangements.
New Zealand strongly supports the accession of Viet Nam to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as soon as possible. The
two countries also affirm their decision to advance the negotiation of an ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand Free Trade
Agreement.
Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) is recognised as an increasingly important organisation. Viet Nam and New
Zealand look forward to co-operating closely in the lead-up to and at APEC 2006, when it is hosted in Ha Noi.
Trade and Investment
Both countries believe that their economies are complementary, providing a sound basis for a sustainable and mutually
beneficial trade and economic relationship over the longer term.
The two countries welcome the agreement to establish a Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC) to provide the
necessary frameworks to address key issues, promote increased trade and commercial links, and explore and facilitate
investment opportunities. The two countries jointly decided that the inaugural meeting of the Commission would be held
in New Zealand before the end of 2005.
Development Assistance
For the past 30 years, New Zealand has been a committed aid partner for Viet Nam and will continue to remain so. Viet
Nam expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), recognising that, although small in
volume, it offers a valuable contribution to reducing poverty and building capacity of Vietnamese government officials
and institutions.
New Zealand reconfirms its commitment to increasing its direct ODA to Viet Nam in the coming years and to assisting the
integration into ASEAN of Viet Nam and its neighbours in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. As a first step, a fulltime
NZAID Manager is being appointed to Ha Noi in 2005.
Defence and Security
The respective defence and security establishments of the two countries should explore opportunities for new
co-operation and liaison to enhance mutual trust and understanding and to build bilateral co-operation.
Both countries condemn terrorism under any form and manifestation and will work to strengthen co-operation in countering
terrorism.
Combating Transnational Crime
The two countries will explore avenues for sharing of information and experience on combating transnational crimes, such
as arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and other organised crimes which threaten the stability
of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The two countries will consider possible bilateral arrangements to enhance
co-operation in these areas.
Government and People to People Exchanges
While recognising their very different environments and structures, the two countries acknowledge that there are
benefits from sharing appropriate parliamentary, legislative and governmental experience. Both countries will continue
with and, where possible increase, the frequency of exchanges of visits at all levels, including by Ministers,
Parliamentarians, agencies, local authorities, business communities and people-to-people, so as to further deepen mutual
understanding and consolidate their partnership.
The two countries also will continue discussion and co-operation on respecting and protecting the rights of people, as
enshrined in the United Nations Charter and other relevant international instruments that both countries are signatories
to.
Education
Both countries recognise the significant potential to increase education links with a view to foster greater
understanding of both countries and cultures. The strong education affiliations between institutions in New Zealand and
Viet Nam is welcomed and the scope is recognised for further co-operation among institutions in both countries to
promote high quality education exchanges including in English Language training.
Science and Technology
The international environment demands that modern economies utilise their research capabilities and technological
achievements to advance economically and remain competitive. New Zealand and Viet Nam will encourage greater
co-operation between respective institutions in relevant fields of science and technology, such as in agribusiness,
phytosantitary measures and information and communications technology (ICT).
Tourism
Both Viet Nam and New Zealand are famed for their natural attractions and are popular destinations for international
tourists. Recognising the role of tourism in economic development and in promoting people to people links, the two
countries will work to further promote tourism, drawing on New Zealand’s experience, including through possible training
in the hospitality industry.
Culture
Both countries recognise the importance of cultural exchanges for increasing understanding between societies and will
encourage the exploration of cultural and sporting links.
Co-operation in Other Fields
Both countries recognise the importance of broad-based linkages in the future development of bilateral relations and
agree that efforts to strengthen and facilitate co-operation should not be limited to specific areas. They consider that
scope existed to facilitate collaboration in fields such as forestry, energy, industry, transportation, postal services
and telecommunications, aviation, finance and banking as well as in environmental protection, sports or healthcare.
Commitment
Both countries firmly believe that the goodwill and achievements of the past 30 years provide an excellent basis for
strengthening the extensive and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Viet Nam.
The measures outlined in this Declaration reflect the determination of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and New
Zealand to achieve this aim. Over the coming decade, the two countries will intensify co-operation to achieve a full,
friendly and comprehensive partnership.
The Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand
His Excellency Mr Phan Van Khai, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Wellington 9 May 2005
ENDS