The New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam is planning a vast array of activities to introduce New Zealand’s culture, customs and traditions on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

‘We held a wine and food festival in HCM City, and worked with VNnexpress to conduct a contest on New Zealand’s land and people and with Jennifer Pham – a tourism ambassador – to promote New Zealand tourism to Vietnamese tourists,’ said Ambassador Haike Manning.

Plans for a fashion event are also in the works, the Ambassador said adding that, in addition, Maori art troupes are scheduled to take part in education and cultural programmes in Hanoi, Danang and HCM City.

Ambassador Manning said the two countries have great potential for boosting cooperation on a number of fronts and he looks forward to the elevation of their relationship to that of a comprehensive partnership.

During a visit to New Zealand earlier this year in March, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his counterpart John Key signed agreements regarding expanding aviation and tourism cooperation.

According to a recent official report, around 30,000 New Zealand visitors came to Vietnam to visit Ha Long, Hue, Hoi An and Nha Trang in 2014.

New Zealand expects to receive more Vietnamese tourists in the coming time, the Ambassador said.

Defence cooperation is an important part in bilateral relations, Manning said, noting that the two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement late 2013, which focussed on officer training and exchange, English language training courses and coordination in peace-keeping issues./.

VNF/VOV