-Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung, on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, and Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand Elizabeth Wright-Koteka on Tuesday signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides in Wellington. The two sides agreed to officially establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level from the date of signing.

After the signing ceremony, both representatives discussed measures to enhance mutual understanding and develop solidarity and friendship between the two nations. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of their strength such as tourism, agriculture and fishing, and exchange experiences in responding to climate change and preventing the COVID-19 pandemic. They also agreed to coordinate actions at Asia-Pacific forums, as well as in United Nations organizations.

Vietnam is the 57th country in the world and the 6th in Southeast Asia that has established diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands. The Cook Island is the 190th state in the world that Vietnam has established diplomatic ties with.

Source: VOV5