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| Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, co-chair of the 5th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
This is an annual mechanism maintained between the two Foreign Ministries and this Conference has special significance as it takes place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (1973-2023).
At the conference, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Foreign Minister Penny Wong focused on discussing the implementation of the Vietnam-Australia Strategic Partnership; regional and international issues of mutual concern as well as cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.
The two Ministers were pleased to note that over the past 50 years, the relationship between the two countries has developed strongly and steadily, achieving many important achievements. In particular, political relations have been increasingly consolidated with increasing trust. Security and defense cooperation has become increasingly effective, especially in the field of United Nations peacekeeping.
Economic and trade cooperation has developed strongly, with trade turnover in 2022 reaching nearly 16 billion USD, making Vietnam Australia's 10th largest trading partner and Australia Vietnam's 7th largest trading partner.
New areas of cooperation such as climate change response and energy transition are being promoted; including a support package of 105 million Australian dollars (AUD) for Vietnam to build infrastructure to respond to climate change and develop clean energy.
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| Overview of the 5th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers' Conference. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
The two Ministers appreciated the close coordination and cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries, especially in serving delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, most recently the successful visits to Vietnam by Australian Governor-General David Hurley (April 2023) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (June 2023).
The two sides agreed to continue to coordinate in organizing activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023), focusing on effectively implementing high-level agreements, including realizing the intention to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced on the occasion of the official visit to Australia by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (December 2022); together contributing to serving well the upcoming high-level visits between the two countries as well as implementing existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
The two Ministers also exchanged information and assessed regional and international situations of mutual concern; agreed to strengthen coordination between the two countries, contributing to consolidating peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
Minister Penny Wong affirmed that Australia values cooperation and supports the central role of ASEAN; agreed to continue promoting cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region.
Discussing the East Sea issue, the two Ministers affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and respecting international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
The two sides also agreed to continue supporting each country's candidacy at regional and international organizations and forums, especially at the United Nations.
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