Viet Nam, Australia enter new chapter in history of bilateral relations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the above statement at the press statements co-chaired by him and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Australia, on March 7.

According to Pham, the upgrade of the Viet Nam-Australia ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level, the highest framework of cooperation between Viet Nam and a foreign partner, helps the two countries fulfill the interest of the two peoples and contribute to peace cooperation, development in the region and the world.

Regarding six key points in upgrading the bilateral ties, the Vietnamese leader noted: "First, we are witnessing increasing political trust and diplomatic cooperation. Second, a higher level of economic trade investment cooperation with greater depth effectiveness. Third, we are bolstering cooperation in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition in a more robust manner".

Fourth, the two sides also engaging in greater cooperation in culture, education, training, environment, climate action in a comprehensive and deeper manner. Fifth, people-to-people exchange connections among various generations are sincere and very much strengthened.

"And six, we are having greater mutual understanding in terms of defense and security with efforts towards peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world", he emphasized.

Both nations agree on the need to further deepen regional and international cooperation, he said, adding that the two countries should also continue to support each other at multilateral forums, particularly the UN, ASEAN led arrangements and promote dialogue, build trust among countries, harness the centrality of ASEAN, and enhance the utilization of Mekong's separation cooperation arrangements.

Regarding the East Sea issues, they underlin the need to peacefully settle disputes on the basis of respect for international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982.

"We also agree on the need to continue to exchange information, bolster maritime cooperation to make East Sea into a sea of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development, thereby bringing greater benefits to the peoples in the region and relevant countries", he shared.

The two sides agree to create favorable conditions to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the people and businesses of both countries residing, working and studying in Viet Nam and Australia, added Pham.

"I'd like to thank Australia for having supported Vietnamese students and nationals with the number of over 300,000 people to reside and study in Australia", told the Vietnamese leader.

Viet Nam, Australia becomes each other's most significant partners

The Australian Prime Minister, for his part, said last year, Australia and Viet Nam celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. Those five decades have seen Australia and Viet Nam build an enduring partnership, a friendship based on trust, mutual respect, family and community ties and a shared vision for an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

"Elevating our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership today places Australia and Viet Nam among each other's most significant partners. It reflects our shared ambition for the future", underscored Anthony Albanese.

He revealed that the two PMs had a productive discussion spanning the breadth of our partnership, climate change and energy cooperation, digital transformation and innovation, trade and investment, agriculture, education and defense.

"I'm proud that our new partnership has a specific pillar on climate, environment and energy cooperation. Both Australia and Viet Nam have committed to net zero", shared the host.

Through a new pillar in the two sides' partnership, both nations have committed to building capacity across science, innovation and technology cooperation.

According to the Australian PM, economic cooperation is also underpinned by educational and institutional links. The two nations have renewed framework for cooperation on education, supporting more partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese education institutions.

"We also discuss the importance of cooperation to protect and promote regional security and stability. I'm proud today, we're announcing a new peacekeeping partnership to further our important cooperation in this field and that we have elevated the Australia Viet Nam Security Dialogue to the Ministerial level to advance cooperation on law enforcement issues", he said./.