President To Lam receives Australian ambassador

President To Lam (R) and Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski (Photo: VNA)

Expressing delight at the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2024, President Lam suggested that based on this upgraded framework, both countries should continue proposing specific cooperation programmes and plans, maintaining the exchange of all-level delegations, enhancing the sharing of information on global and regional issues of mutual concern, deepening collaboration in national defence-security, economy-trade and in emerging areas such as climate change adaptation, clean energy, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The President welcomed the expansion of partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese universities and the continued offering of scholarships to Vietnamese students. He also proposed the Australian Government facilitate opportunities for the Vietnamese community in Australia.

The Vietnamese State leader took the occasion to express thanks to Australia for its support in healthcare, peacekeeping, climate change adaptation and energy transition.

Goledzinowski, for his part, lauded Viet Nam's "bamboo tree" foreign policy, which he said has contributed to regional peace and stability. He highlighted the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations across various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, affirming his commitment to working closely with Vietnamese authorities to effectively implement the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Recognising Viet Nam's importance in Australia's regional foreign policy, he pledged to continue allocating resources to Southeast Asia, including Viet Nam, under the framework of Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

In reply, the host spoke highly of Australia's stance on supporting peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and overflight in the region, settling disputes through peaceful means via dialogue in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also expressed hope for Australia's continued support for ASEAN's central role in the region./.

Source: VNA