On August 13 (local time), after a solemn welcoming ceremony held at the Governor-General's Palace, Auckland, New Zealand, General Secretary and President To Lam met with New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro shared that the developments in bilateral relations are not only based on a solid political trust foundation but also on the connection between the people of the two countries, especially the role of the community of about 15,000 Vietnamese people in New Zealand.
Borrowing the two verses "When we are here, it is only a place to live/When we leave, the land has become a soul" by poet Che Lan Vien, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro shared that the two verses are also the feelings of Vietnamese people who have chosen their second homeland, New Zealand; even in New Zealand, they still always carry in them love for their homeland, country and also bring to the new land their skills, abilities and stories about a successful Vietnam.
Sharing her love for Vietnamese culture and cuisine, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro affirmed that the relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam is not only built through the relationship between the two Governments but also through the bond between universities, through families and communities.
Sincerely thanking the deep feelings and concern of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro for the Vietnam - New Zealand relationship, General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his pleasure to visit peaceful and hospitable New Zealand.
General Secretary and President To Lam thanked the Governor-General for cultivating the friendly relationship between the two countries; believing that in the coming time, New Zealand will continue to be an important partner accompanying Vietnam in the cause of industrialization, modernization of the country and international integration.
General Secretary and President To Lam requested Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro to continue promoting development cooperation programs in Vietnam in the fields of education, agriculture, climate change response, and gender equality.
Affirming that the 15,000-Vietnamese community in New Zealand is a bridge of friendship for relations between the two countries, General Secretary and President To Lam wished the Governor-General of New Zealand to continue to pay attention and create more favorable conditions for the community to develop more and more, making positive contributions to New Zealand society and relations between the two countries.
General Secretary and President To Lam also requested New Zealand to support Vietnam in teaching English, contributing to the successful implementation of the plan to make English the second language in Vietnam.
Agreeing and welcoming the proposals of General Secretary and President To Lam, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro affirmed the important role of education in improving people's lives.
Sharing sincerely about her time as a university lecturer, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro emphasized that she will always provide support and attention to development issues between the two countries, especially in the field of education; considering this as one of the bridges of friendship between the two countries and peoples.
