Vietnam and Australia chart new areas of cooperation

The directions were discussed during a meeting in Canberra on August 11 between Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam as part of the latter’s state visit, starting August 9.

The Vietnamese leader described Australia as a trusted partner of Vietnam with many shared strategic interests, and expressed his wish to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive, effective and mutually beneficial manner.

Against the backdrop of profound changes in the world and growing development demands facing both countries, he said Vietnam and Australia should strengthen cooperation by capitalising on their shared development orientations and complementary economic strengths.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn noted the two countries share a number of development priorities, particularly in science and technology, innovation, education and high-quality human resources. These commonalities provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation into new areas.

Working toward US$20 billion in bilateral trade

On economic cooperation, the Vietnamese leader proposed that the two countries continue to promote trade and investment, with a goal of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion and substantially increasing two-way investment.

He also hoped to attract more high-quality investment from Australian businesses and investment funds through Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

At the same time, he called on the Australian Government to continue facilitating Vietnamese businesses’ operations and investment in Australia, thereby strengthening business links and two-way investment.

Science, innovation emerge as new drivers

Science and technology, innovation and human resource development were identified as areas with significant potential for expanded cooperation.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in education, training and knowledge sharing; expand scholarships and links among universities and research institutions; and promote vocational training to meet demand for skilled workers in emerging industries.

He also called on Australia to continue supporting improvements in public-sector governance, administrative reform and digital transformation.

Governor-General Mostyn said the similarities in the two countries’ development priorities, particularly in science and technology, innovation, education and high-quality human resources, provide favourable conditions for expanding cooperation into new fields.

Alongside economic and development cooperation, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam called for continued efforts to strengthen political trust through high-level exchanges and existing cooperation mechanisms, while expanding defence and security cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, emphasising dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law and working toward a peaceful, stable, inclusive and sustainably developing Indo-Pacific.

People-to-people links and Vietnamese community

The Vietnamese leader called for stronger cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation and people-to-people links, particularly among young people, researchers and the younger generation of leaders.

Appreciating Australia’s multicultural policy, he expressed his hope that Australia would continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to thrive, contribute actively to Australian society and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Governor-General Mostyn spoke highly of the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Australia, as well as those of Vietnamese students, intellectuals, experts and businesspeople in strengthening links between the two countries. She affirmed Australia’s wish to continue providing a favourable environment for the Vietnamese community to develop its strengths, preserve its cultural identity and contribute to Australian society as well.

Both host and guest exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern, underscoring the importance of dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law, and working together toward a peaceful, stable, inclusive and sustainable Indo-Pacific region.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam invited Governor-General Sam Mostyn to visit Vietnam again at a convenient time. The Governor-General accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Australia holds state welcome ceremony for top Vietnamese leader

VOV.VN - Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn hosted a state welcome ceremony for Party General Secretary and President To Lam in Canberra on August 11, marking the Vietnamese leader’s state visit to Australia from August 9-12 in a solemn atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect.