Vietnam and Australia Strengthen Bilateral Ties through High-Level Visit

Strategic Insights -

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue recently visited Australia, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a significant development in bilateral relations. The meeting, which took place on November 30, saw both leaders expressing enthusiasm for the strong growth of ties between the two countries, particularly in areas outlined in the Action Programme for the 2020-2023 period. The visit marked the first high-level engagement between Australia and Vietnam since the countries fully reopened their borders, coming at a time when the two nations are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chairman Hue congratulated Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the country's significant achievements in economic development, social security, and climate change response over the past six months.
  • The visit marked the first high-level engagement between Australia and Vietnam since the countries fully reopened their borders, with both nations preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
  • Vietnam and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, climate change, green growth, and the digital economy, contributing to the growth of their bilateral ties.
  • The Australian Prime Minister agreed to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural workers and encouraged Australian citizens to travel and invest in Vietnam.
  • Chairman Hue expressed appreciation for Australia's support of Vietnamese citizens during the pandemic and wished for continued support for the Vietnamese community in Australia.
  • Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ASEAN's centrality, a peaceful, prosperous, and stable region, and respect for sovereignty, particularly in the East Sea/South China Sea.
  • They reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes, including those in the East Sea, peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
  • The two leaders agreed to support the elevation of the Vietnam-Australia relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at an appropriate time.

Statistics:

  • The visit marked the first high-level engagement between Australia and Vietnam since the countries fully reopened their borders.
  • The two countries are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
  • The Action Programme for the 2020-2023 period outlines areas for bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
  • Vietnam and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, climate change, green growth, and the digital economy.

Sources:

  • Vietnam News, Meeting between NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Australian PM Anthony Albanese: Key points.
  • Australian Government, Joint Press Release on the Meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chair of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue.