(VOVworld) - Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh hailed efforts by Vietnam and New Zealand to develop their comprehensive partnership towards a future strategic partnership while hosting New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Wendy Matthews in Hanoi on Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and New Zealand Ambassador Wendy Matthews (Photo: Nguyen Nga)

Mr. Minh, who is also Foreign Minister, said Vietnam and New Zealand should step up economic, trade, and investment cooperation and make the best use of bilateral mechanisms.

He also called on the two countries to continue working closely to organize APEC Year 2017 events, particularly the APEC High-Level Week in Da Nang city in November.

Ambassador Matthews said she will work closely with Vietnamese agencies to make sound preparations for upcoming high-level visits and a successful APEC 2017 and will work to develop the comprehensive partnership in an efficient and practical manner towards a future strategic partnership.