At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh introduced about USSH’s main achievements in training, research activities and its main directions; in which he emphasized the goal of developing a research-based university, and promoting internationalization by increasing the number of courses taught in English and expanding relations with international partners. The Rector hoped the New Zealand Embassy to Vietnam will contribute to connecting USSH with New Zealand universities, and proposed some forms of cooperation such as exchanging students and lecturers and co-organizing research projects and conferences. The Office for Cooperation and Development will serve as a bridge between the two parties.

In response, Mrs. Wendy Matthews expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome by USSH. Mrs. Wendy Matthews discussed with Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh about some important issues such as the developments of social sciences and humanities at the University in particular and Vietnam as a whole, the issue of universities’ autonomy and initiatives to attract more students into its diverse departments. She said the New Zealand Embassy to Vietnam is willing to support USSH in getting in touch with New Zealand universities, especially in facilitating bilateral language and cultural exchanges among students.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh highly appreciated the suggestions of Mrs. Wendy Matthews and said USSH will always welcome the contribution of the New Zealand Embassy in academic exchanges and activities. The Office for Cooperation and Development will be connecting the two sides.

Mrs. Wendy Matthews receives a token from Prof. Dr Pham Quang Minh

Wendy Matthews arrived in Ha Noi in December 2016 to take up the post of New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam. Wendy is a career diplomat. During her time in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade she worked on a wide range of issues, including international law, development assistance, and trade negotiations. Wendy held a senior position in the New Zealand team negotiating the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).