Former New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam (2006-2009), Mr. James Kember, commented: "The reconsideration of the 40th anniversary of Doi Moi and the guidelines and resolutions at the upcoming 14th National Congress of Delegates will create a necessary foundation for planning the long-term development of the'S-shaped nation' in the future.
Former Ambassador Kember shared that in November 2025, he was honored to participate in the New Zealand delegation visiting Hanoi and attend many talks between the two sides, including a meeting with the Central Theoretical Council of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
At this meeting, he and the New Zealand delegation were presented by the Standing Vice Chairman and many members of the Central Theoretical Council of the Communist Party of Vietnam about the ambitious development goals of the country.
Regarding Vietnam's current position and prestige in the international arena, former Ambassador Kember said that with Vietnam continuously upgrading relations in the past 5 years to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership with leading powers and increasing from 2 comprehensive strategic partnerships 10 years ago to 14 comprehensive strategic partnerships as they are now, it shows Vietnam's great goal and determination.
Assessing Vietnam - New Zealand relations, former Ambassador Kember said that although both countries still consistently value economic and strategic relations with the world's leading powers, recent developments show that Vietnam and New Zealand need to make more efforts to strengthen relations with other partners, especially neighboring countries.
According to him, although these partners may not fully fill the gaps created by major changes in trade terms, regional cooperation is the "key" to building solid security relations.
Former Ambassador Kember said that the joint efforts of the two countries in addressing climate and security challenges, protecting the flow of maritime routes, and maintaining high-level political and security dialogue are all part of this combination.
Mr. Kember concluded that the need for understanding and cooperation with regional partners is becoming increasingly clear in a world witnessing a decline in compliance with rule-based systems, open trade and disarmament.
Therefore, according to the former Ambassador Kember, Vietnam - New Zealand relations still have a lot of potential to be strengthened, deepened and strongly developed.
