The “New Zealand – Open to the New” programme was introduced to the public during a press conference in Ha Noi on February 5 with a string of events to mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and New Zealand.

Deputy PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (R) received New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully, in March 2014

The event aims to introduce New Zealand to Vietnamese nationals through cuisine and wine festivals; education and culture exhibitions to be held in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang; and highlighting fashion cooperation projects and a “New Zealand – new horizon” contest, among others.

At the press conference, New Zealand Ambassador Haike Manning said the celebration of bilateral diplomatic relations creates an opportunity for the two countries to expand their cooperation in politics, tourism, education, trade and investment.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung highlighted outstanding achievements in bilateral coordination efforts, especially in trade, education-training, and agriculture.

Viet Nam and New Zealand established diplomatic relations in June 1975.