Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Craig Emerson on Dec. 13 in Hanoi .

At the meeting, Deputy PM Phuc expressed his pleasure at the development of the friendly relations between Vietnam and Australia , especially after the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and the signing of the Vietnam-Australia action programme.

The Deputy PM spoke highly of Australia ’s investment in the sectors of light industry, processing, finance and banking in Vietnam . He also thanked the Australian Government for providing official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam and scholarships to Vietnamese students.

He expressed hope that Australia will continue to support Vietnam in agricultural and rural development, environmental protection, infrastructure construction, and especially in education and the training of high quality human resources for Vietnam .

The Australian Minister of Trade is pleased with the two countries’ mutual support at international and global forums.

He said Australia considers Vietnam as one of seven key countries in the region with which Australia wants to promote friendly, cooperative relations. Australia is willing to share its experience in developing infrastructure, with the participation of the private sector.

The minister also agreed with the Deputy PM’s selection of education and training as a core cooperative area./.