The English training class with support from the New Zealand Government for Vietnamese officials in preparation for Vietnam's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020. (Photo courtesy of the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam)

The programme, whichopened on August 12, is intended to enhance the English language andintercultural communications skills of some 80 participants who will bedirectly involved in Vietnam’s ASEAN Chair year.

The course will bedelivered by New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington andfacilitated by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

New ZealandAmbassador to Vietnam Wendy Matthews said education is a key pillarin the two countries’ relationship.

“I am very pleased tobe able to support Vietnam’s ASEAN Chair year in this very practical way, andthrough this programme, New Zealand hopes to contribute to Vietnam'ssuccessful Chairing of ASEAN in 2020," she said, adding that 2020 will alsobe a special year in the bilateral relationship as New Zealand and Vietnamwill celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations.

Nguyen Quoc Dung,Deputy Minister of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the trainingcourse would not only contribute to the preparation for Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanshipin 2020 but also help enhance and deepen the cooperation between thetwo countries and two foreign ministries.