Together with the attendance of Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan, there were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of The Institute for Southeast Asian Studies; Dr. Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Director of the Institute for Chi
nese Studies; MA. Van Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department. To team up with Ms. Wendy Matthew, there was Ms. Bui To Nga, Policy Advisor of New Zealand Embassy.
In the meeting, representing as the head of VASS, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan, the President greeted the New Zealand Ambassador in her business trip to VASS. The President briefly introduced to the delegation organizational structure, missions, and basic functions of VASS, and recent scientific research, international cooperation activities. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan hoped that the Ambassador and New Zealand Embassy would support VASS to establish, explore and promote the development of cooperation in scientific research which had many potentials between VASS and partners from New Zealand; thereby, help VASS to accomplish important tasks in policy advising to the Communist Party and the government.
In response to the President of VASS, Ms. Wendy Matthew thanked VASS for the warm welcome, affirmed that this first meeting would commence upcoming visits, exchanges and business trips between New Zealand and VASS. Through the introduction of Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan, the Ambassador recognized the roles of VASS for Vietnam Government which reflected in useful contribution to the development of Vietnam thanks to scientific work and research results,etc.
Ms. Wendy Matthew emphasized that from her point of view, New Zealand was very interested in gaining understanding about Vietnam’s views and perspectives on regional security and research issues of VASS in the future. New Zealand is currently in the process of building the Centre for Excellence in Southeast Asia, and this centre aill open up opportunities to enhance research cooperation between New Zealand and VASS on the issues of mutual interest.
At the end of the meeting, the President of VASS, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan and the New Zealand Ambassador, Ms. Wendy Matthew expressed their hope that the cooperation between the two sides would be effectively developed.
Nguyen Thu Ha
