Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and Australian Governor-General David Hurley have reached a consensus for the two countries to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the right time.

During their talks on Tuesday morning, State President Thuong said that Australian Governor-General Hurley’s ongoing visit to Vietnam would contribute to boosting the Vietnam-Australia strategic ties.

Australian Governor-General Hurley began his four-day visit to Vietnam on Monday at the invitation of the Vietnamese state president.

Expected relationship upgrade

Both officials expressed their satisfaction of the fruits of the strategic partnership after 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Seeing much potential for bilateral cooperation, the two leaders eyed a deeper multifaceted partnership, agreeing to discuss the upgrade of their relations to the highest level at the right time.

The highest level in Vietnam's international relations is a comprehensive strategic partnership, followed by a strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership.

Until now, Vietnam has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Russia, India, and South Korea.

To strengthen their relationship, Vietnam and Australia will continue to trust and respect each other, bolster all-level delegation exchanges, and speed up the implementation of two-way trade agreements.

Vietnamese State President Thuong proposed the two nations enhance trade and investment cooperation, including facilitating export activities, after the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy was signed in 2021.

The Vietnamese side also hinted at offering incentives to Vietnamese and Australian enterprises to make investments.

Vietnam encourages Australian investors to tap the country’s energy, infrastructure, mining, telecoms, finance-banking, hi-tech agriculture, and education fields.

Joining hands to maintain peace is a highlight

President Thuong saw the cooperation in maintaining peace as the highlight of the bilateral partnership, proposing Australia maintain its collaboration with Vietnam to fight international criminals, tighten control over exit and entry, prevent illegal immigration, and tackle terrorism.

Also, Australian Governor-General Hurley agreed to cement the two nations’ partnership in culture, sports, and exchange activities.

The two countries will soon complete relevant procedures to put into action the memorandum of understanding to provide support for Vietnamese citizens to participate in the Australian Agriculture Visa Program.

Besides, Australia will create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese students to study in the country, while encouraging Australian students to travel to Vietnam for study and tourism under the new Colombo working holiday program.

Hurley also highly valued the establishment of the Vietnam-Australia Center at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, promising to smooth the path for Vietnamese citizens to live, study, and work in Australia.

Furthermore, he proposed Vietnam continue creating favorable conditions for Australian citizens to tour, study, and do business in the nation.

President Thuong praised Australia for enhancing cooperation with Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular.

After their talks, the two leaders reached a consensus on fostering consultation and cooperation at international and regional forums, reaffirming the importance of peace, stability, safety, security, and maritime freedom in the East Vietnam Sea.

The two high-ranking officials also called on other countries to join hands to build a region that is stable and prosperous and to respect sovereignty and international law.

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