Vietnam and Australia affirmed their close collaboration and intention to implement concrete cooperation fields within the Vietnam-Australia Action Programme for the 2010-2013 period.

The affirmation was made at talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd in Hanoi on April 13.

Deputy PM Khiem welcomed Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Vietnam , which he said would contribute to promoting the Vietnam-Australia comprehensive partnership.

Australian Foreign Minister Rudd highlighted Vietnam ’s role in its capacity as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and its organisation of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting plus (ADMM+) and the expansion of the East Asia Summit (EAS).

The two ministers agreed to boost investment and trade activities based on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) so as to make their economic relations match with the two countries’ political ties and potential.

Both ministers reached unanimity on enhancing bilateral ties in education and training and people to people diplomacy.

The Australian Government continues to prioritise its official development assistance provision to Vietnam , affirmed Minister Rudd, expressing his delight at the effective implementation of Australia ’s development projects in Vietnam .

Deputy PM Khiem thanked the Australian Government for its annual increase in ODA for Vietnam and 160 million AUD in aid provision for building Cao Lanh bridge in the country.

The two ministers exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern and affirmed their joint coordination and mutual support at the United Nations forums.

Minister Rudd also proposed both sides enhance cooperation in dealing with calamities and coping with climate change./.