Strengthening Relations

New Zealand’s outgoing ambassador to Vietnam James Kember has received a medal from the Vietnamese government for his contributions to relations between the two countries. Speaking at the award presentation ceremony in Hanoi, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong said during Ambassador Kember’s term of office for the last three years, friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and New Zealand have seen progress in all areas from politics to economics and trade. Kember said it was an honour for him to receive the award and reaffirmed that no matter what position he takes in future, he will continue to play his part in strengthening and developing friendship and co-operation between the two nations. Kember’s foreign service includes postings in China, New York, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands.