The ASEAN Future Forum 2025 successfully fulfilled its ambitious agenda, with hundreds of contributions and insightful recommendations put forward.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon held talks in Hanoi on February 26, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony on February 26 afternoon for his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon who is paying an official visit to Vietnam and attending the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that New Zealand has eight universities ranked among the top 2% of the highest-quality institutions globally.

With rapid advancements in science and technology, many people believe this is the ideal time to merge provinces and cities to reduce the burden of regular expenditures and to invest for socio-economic development.

Party General Secretary To Lam commended FedEx’s achievements in VN over the past three decades and affirmed his support for the company’s continued expansion in key sectors.

At the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, leaders emphasized the region’s growing influence in global affairs, with Malaysia and New Zealand reinforcing their commitment to ASEAN’s development.

General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held discussions with leaders from Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Laos, and Cambodia, strengthening regional cooperation and strategic partnerships.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam hosted a reception in Hanoi on February 25 evening for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang hosted a reception in Hanoi on February 25 for Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Kazakhstan Zhumagali Askhat.

Christopher Luxon arrives in Hanoi for his inaugural visit to Vietnam, marking a milestone in bilateral relations as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN, stressed the importance of prioritising the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure while facilitating urgent humanitarian aid for those affected.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh highlighted the two nations’ frequent exchange of all-level delegations and cooperation across Party, state, and parliamentary channels, as well as their mutual support at regional and multilateral forums.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang on February 25 met with Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede as part of the latter's visit to Vietnam.

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (VNU-HCMUS).

The third Vietnam – South Africa Defence Policy Dialogue took place in Hanoi on February 25.

Party General Secretary To Lam received Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in Hanoi on February 25 during the latter’s visit to Vietnam to attend the second ASEAN Future Forum.

PM Chinh underscored the importance of reinforcing ASEAN’s strategic self-control by strengthening the bloc's solidarity and centrality.

This marks the first time this year that tourists and border residents can conduct entry and exit activities through the border gate pair of Hoanh Mo (Vietnam) – Dongzhong (China).

General Secretary To Lam has outlined ambitious economic reforms, including cutting business costs by 30% and boosting private sector participation.