The upcoming visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse to Australia from March 5-9, to attend the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit marking the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations, holds great significance, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam. (Source: VNA)
Fresh wind brings bilateral relations to new height
Ambassador Tam emphasized that this visit is the first time a Vietnamese Prime Minister has visited Australia since the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. It takes place at a special time when the two countries recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the fifth anniversary of a comprehensive strategic partnership, contributing to generating new momentum for bilateral ties in the foreseeable future.
For Vietnam, this visit aligns with the foreign policy of developing relations with regional partners, including Australia, as outlined in the 13th National Party Congress.
Regarding the PM’s itinerary during the visit, Ambassador Tam stated that after the official welcome ceremony in Canberra, PM Chinh is scheduled to engage in various significant activities, including talks, signing and exchange of documents, press conferences, a courtesy call to the Governor-General, and engagements with high-ranking Australian leaders, intellectuals, businesses, educational establishments, and research institutes.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the ceremony to welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for an official working visit to Vietnam for 2 days from June 3 to June 4, 2023. Photo: VGP |
During this visit, both sides expect to sign and exchange numerous important cooperation documents across various sectors including national defense, energy, trade, banking-finance, diplomacy, education, justice, and sci-tech.
According to Ambassador Tam, Vietnam and Australia have become top 10 trading partners, with two-way trade reaching USD 13.8 billion in 2023. Australia has invested in 621 projects in Vietnam, and Vietnam has invested in 92 projects in Australia. Australia continues to be one of the leading suppliers of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam and among the top 15 destinations for Vietnamese tourists.
He added that significant cooperation achievements after more than five decades of diplomatic ties continue to drive their strong relations, including growing political trust; a strong commitment and goodwill toward cooperation demonstrated by their leaders, people, and enterprises; a robust legal framework with signed cooperation documents, including the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES); and deep cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, education-training, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam. Photo: VGP |
Ambassador Tam noted Australia’s strong focus on its relationship with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, as evidenced by the launch of its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 in September 2023. He also highlighted the new impetus brought by the demands of the Industry 4.0 era for both countries to expand cooperation in areas such as innovation, green economy, digital economy, digital transformation, clean energy transition, environment, and climate change adaptation.
Continue to contribute to ASEAN – Australia relations
Regarding the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, Ambassador Tam stated that Australia’s hosting of the event reflects its commitment to further fostering ties with the bloc. The summit provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and chart a course for the future in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The leaders will also discuss global and regional issues of common concern.
Ambassador Tam highlighted the promising prospects of ASEAN-Australia ties, particularly in the areas of economy, trade, and investment. He emphasized the geographical proximity, high political determination, and the recent upgrade of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) as factors contributing to these prospects.
He concluded by stressing Australia’s position as one of ASEAN’s comprehensive strategic partners and among the top economic partners, with bilateral trade and investment nearing pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski also expressed Australia’s ambition for its relationship with Vietnam, as the two countries are experiencing a strengthening relationship. He emphasized the shared challenges and interests in a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous region.
Ambassador Goledzinowski stated that the focus areas of the 2024 Summit mirror the shared priorities in the Australia-Vietnam relationship. He expressed eagerness to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhance cooperation in key fields such as climate change, digital transformation, trade and investment, critical minerals, and education. The Summit also provides unique opportunities to highlight people-to-people connections.
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