Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells speaks at the celebration of Vietnam's 72nd National Day in Canberra (Photo: VNA) Canberra (VNA) – Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has highlighted considerable strides Vietnam has made in recent decades at a ceremony in Canberra to mark the 72nd National Day of Vietnam (September 2).
The Doi moi has turned it into an emerging country in Southeast Asia, she affirmed at the celebrations held by the Vietnamese Embassy on September 1.
She also emphasised the countries’ tightened links in economy, security and trade. Bilateral trade reached 10.5 billion AUD (about 8.3 billion USD) in 2016.
She noted they also share similar viewpoints on many important regional issues, and both agree on ASEAN’s central role in promoting security and prosperity in the region. They also vowed to enhance regional economic integration.
Additionally, bilateral relations are thriving in many other spheres such as dialogue on human rights, people-to-people exchange, and education and tourism cooperation.
The minister stressed Vietnam’s prosperity benefits both Australia and the region, expressing her hope for the countries’ closer relations.
Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam said since the Doi moi (reforms) was launched in 1986, Vietnam has become one of the economies with fastest growth in the region. Millions of people have escaped from poverty while young Vietnamese are increasingly optimistic about the future and want to seek new opportunities. People nationwide have also been better protected from climate change impacts and diseases.
He also mentioned his country’s sound relations with partners around the globe, particularly with Australia, expressing his hope that the bilateral partnership will keep growing and reach a strategic partnership status soon.
At the ceremony, on behalf of the Vietnamese President, Ambassador Nam presented the Friendship Order and the insignia of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to four professors and executives of the Australian National University to recognise their contribution to bilateral cooperation.-VNA
VNA
