Australian FM: Australia attaches importance to Viet Nam's role in region

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong made that above statement in her talks with Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son on June 27 as part of her three-day official visit to Viet Nam. 

Regarding international and regional issues of mutual concerns, Penny Wong reiterated that Australia treasures cooperation with ASEAN, highlighting the central role of the bloc, and continues to foster collaboration for sustainable development of the Mekong Subregion.

She underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea and respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).  

For his part, the Vietnamese Minister expressed thanks to the Australian Government for donating vaccines and medical supplies for Viet Nam, including 14.4 million peadiatric vaccine doses to help the Southeast Asian nation to speed up its vaccination campaign and economic recovery. 

He welcomes Australia to officially establish the comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN, suggesting the nation continue making active contributions to the region on the basis of respecting ASEAN centrality for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. 

The two diplomats agreed that the two sides need to boost cooperation, particularly in the sectors seriously affected by COVID-19 such as tourism, education and labor cooperation. 

They pledged to strengthen coordination in traditional areas including trade, investment, security and defense as well as closely join hand in organizing activities celebrating the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1973-2023). 

The two ministers consented to enhance collaboration in other potential domains, like climate change adaption, green growth and sustainable growth.