New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged to maintain the provision of official assistance development (ODA) and scholars for Viet Nam during a meeting with her Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, in Da Nang City on Friday.


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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Da Nang on Friday.


She spoke highly of Viet Nam’s role as the host of the APEC Year 2017, believing that the success of this APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will create a new driving force for and maintain the growth pace of the Asia-Pacific region. 

She also appreciated Viet Nam’s hosting of a meeting of 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) leaders, affirming to coordinate closely with Viet Nam and other members to set forth an appropriate way for TPP in the time ahead. 

PM Phuc thanked New Zealand for its aid worth 500,000 NZD (US$347,700) for storm-hit localities in Viet Nam. 

Both host and guest agreed to intensify delegation exchanges and boost trade ties in order to raise two-way trade to $1.7 billion by 2020. 

They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea issue. They agreed that disputes need to be solved by peaceful means on the basis of respecting international law. 

The New Zealand PM is in Da Nang City to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, stated for November 10-11.—VNS