Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties
The 50th anniversary of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations (1975-2025) was celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City, attended by Caroline Beresford, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, members of its business community and residents in the city, as well as numerous Vietnamese officials and alumni who studied in New Zealand.
In his congratulatory remarks, Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, noted that five decades of close cooperation and development demonstrate that geographical distance has never prevented the two nations from coming closer through shared values of peace, solidarity, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable development.
The longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and common vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region over the past 50 years provide a strong foundation for deepening and strengthening bilateral ties.
The municipal leader highlighted that Ho Chi Minh City takes pride in being one of the most dynamic and pioneering localities, making active contributions to Vietnam-New Zealand relations.
The city has become a trusted destination for many New Zealand educational institutions, organizations, and businesses, generating abundant and tangible cooperation opportunities across multiple fields. It has also hosted visits by New Zealand naval ships on two occasions, events that reinforce both political trust and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, cited VOV.
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| Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duong talks with New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford at the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations (Photo: tuoitre.vn) |
Looking ahead, Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized Ho Chi Minh City’s desire to further expand potential cooperation with New Zealand in areas including education and training, science, technology and innovation, high-tech agriculture, sustainable trade, green economy, and climate change adaptation. The city particularly values initiatives to promote cultural, sports, and youth exchanges, while recognizing young people as vital bridges fostering long-term trust and connection between the two nations.
Scott James, New Zealand Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, said the past 50 years have seen a strong development of Vietnam-New Zealand relations, built on sustained effort, trust, and shared aspirations. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries indicates this stable growth and signals both nations’ commitment to even broader cooperation.
According to Scott James, Ho Chi Minh City serves as a central hub in Vietnam-New Zealand relations. Many of the most successful cooperative projects in high-quality agriculture, food technology, and education have originated here. The city’s dynamic community of students, entrepreneurs, and professionals continues to open up new opportunities for cooperation, solidifying the foundation of bilateral ties.
He added that New Zealand businesses are eager to work with Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant community, sharing expertise in sustainable food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and creative services. The city not only serves as a gateway but also as a strong growth center for Vietnam-New Zealand cooperation. New Zealand looks forward to further consolidating this partnership in the years ahead.
The anniversary ceremony was held in a joyful and friendly atmosphere, featuring cultural performances by both Vietnamese and New Zealand artists.
Vietnam, RoK step up cooperation in labor, employment
A delegation of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL) led by its President Nguyen Dinh Khang is paying a working visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) from November 27 to 29 to enhance cooperation in labor and employment.
During the trip, the delegation held discussions with the RoK’s National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) to learn about procedures for handling labor disputes, labor mediation, and labor arbitration. They also had a meeting with the Korea Labor & Employment Service (KLES) to explore its support for Vietnamese workers employed in the RoK, as well as for Korean enterprises investing in Vietnam.
On November 28, the delegation met with representatives from the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) to exchange experiences in trade union activities and discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the VGCL and FKTU in the coming time.
At these meetings, both sides commended the strong development of Vietnam – RoK diplomatic relations and agreed on the need for closer coordination between the VGCL and Korean labor authorities, reported VNA.
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| The VGCL delegation and officials of the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK in a group photo. (Photo: VNA) |
Strengthening support for workers and enterprises, and fostering harmonious labor relations were considered crucial to promoting the shared interests of all parties, especially against the backdrop of increasingly robust bilateral cooperation. Human resources exchange was highlighted as an important area requiring further attention.
As part of their trip, the VGCL delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul. On this occasion, Khang briefed the embassy on the outcomes of the visit and recent developments within the VGCL, particularly the ongoing restructuring of trade unions within the state apparatus.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho provided an overview of the progress in the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership, and updated the delegation on the situation of the Vietnamese community in the RoK.
He noted that the community has been growing rapidly in both size and quality, with more than 350,000 Vietnamese currently living, working, and studying in the RoK. While they have made significant contributions to both countries, many also face challenges related to cultural differences, legal procedures, and language barriers.
The ambassador stressed that the embassy has been working tirelessly to help Vietnamese nationals integrate into Korean society while preserving their cultural identity.
New tropical depression to enter East Sea as Typhoon Koto shifts path
A new tropical depression has emerged near Malaysia, expected to enter the East Sea soon, further complicating the movement of Typhoon Koto.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 1:00 p.m. on November 28, the tropical depression was located off the eastern coast of Malaysia. The system had maximum sustained winds of 39–61 km/h (force 6–7), with gusts reaching force 9.
It is moving northeast at around 15 km/h. By 1:00 p.m. tomorrow (November 29), it is forecast to be over the southwestern waters of the southern East Sea, maintaining force 7 winds and gusts of force 9.
Over the next 24 hours, the depression is expected to maintain its course and speed. By 1:00 p.m. on November 30, it will remain over the same general area of the southwestern East Sea, still at force 7 strength with gusts of force 9.
From 48 to 72 hours out, the depression is forecast to shift to a north-northeasterly direction, traveling about 15 km/h and gradually weakening, VNN reported/
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| Path projection of the tropical depression as it nears the East Sea. Source: NCHMF |
Due to the impact of the tropical depression, the southwestern area of the southern East Sea will experience strengthening winds, increasing to force 6–7 with gusts reaching force 9. Wave heights may reach 2.5 to 4 meters, and the sea will become rough. Vessels operating in these zones are at risk of encountering thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and large waves.
Typhoon Koto: slow, erratic, and still dangerous
At the same time, Typhoon Koto is lingering in the central East Sea. The emergence of the new tropical depression has further complicated its movement.
As of 1:00 p.m. today, the storm's eye was located approximately 190 kilometers northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. Maximum winds near the center had dropped to force 10 (89–102 km/h), with gusts reaching force 13. This is two levels lower than yesterday evening’s intensity, and the storm has shifted direction several times.
Currently, Typhoon Koto is moving southwest at just 5 km/h. It is expected to remain over the sea for another four to five days before possibly making landfall in the south-central provinces.
In the next 24 hours, the storm is projected to change direction again, heading northwest at the same speed. By 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, its center will be over the western part of the central East Sea, around 300 km northwest of Song Tu Tay Island. Winds will range from force 9 to 10, with gusts at force 13.
Another 24 hours later, the storm will continue northwest at a very slow pace of 3–5 km/h. By 1:00 p.m. on November 30, it will be approximately 280 km east of the coastal region of Gia Lai Province, with winds decreasing to force 9 and gusts of force 12.
In the 24 hours following that, Koto will change direction once more, this time toward the west-southwest at 3–5 km/h, and will continue to weaken. By 1:00 p.m. on December 1, the storm’s center will be around 200 km east of Gia Lai’s coastline, with winds between force 8 and 9, and gusts at force 12.
Between 72 and 120 hours from now, the storm will move slowly west-southwest at around 5 km/h, weakening further.
Due to Typhoon Koto, the western area of the central East Sea - including the northwestern part of the Spratly archipelago - will face winds of force 7–9. Areas near the storm center will experience force 10 winds with gusts of force 12–13. Waves could rise to 3–5 meters, and up to 6–8 meters near the center. The sea will be extremely rough.
Offshore waters from Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa will also be affected, with wind speeds reaching force 6–7, later increasing to force 8 and gusts of 9–10. Wave heights may rise to 4–6 meters, causing dangerous sea conditions.
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