Hanoi (VNA) – The 10th Strategic Diplomacy-Defence Dialogue between Vietnam and Australia took place in Canberra on August 5.
The Vietnamese delegation to the dialogue was led by Nguyen Manh Cuong, a member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Major General Duong Quy Nam, Director of the Institute for Defence International Relations under the Ministry of National Defence.
Meanwhile, the Australian delegation was led by Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan and Deputy Secretary of Defence Hugh Jeffrey.
Both sides recognised the strong development of the two countries' relations, particularly since the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.
They noted the high strategic trust along with shared visions and viewpoints on many regional and international issues. Given the rapid and complex changes in the global and regional context, both parties agreed to increase the exchange of views, further strengthen cooperation to cope with common challenges, accelerate the implementation of agreements, and explore new areas of cooperation.
They affirmed their commitment to deepening ties and praised the comprehensive and effective cooperation across the six pillars: politics, defence and security, economy and trade, climate change and energy, science and technology, and innovation. They agreed to keep advancing collaboration in a result-oriented manner, thus meeting the shared interests of both countries.
The two sides agreed that defence and security cooperation is a pillar of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, saying it is progressing comprehensively through regular dialogue and consultation at all levels, information sharing, joint training, and capacity building.
Vietnam appreciated Australia’s support in providing language and specialised training for the Vietnam People’s Army officers, as well as assistance in boosting Vietnam’s capacity for UN peacekeeping operations, including transport aircraft provision and personnel deployment.
Discussing recent global and regional developments, the officials agreed that amid rapid changes, the enhanced sharing of assessments and forecasts about issues needing attention is essential to contribute effectively to peace and stability in the region and the world. Besides, countries need to take responsible action and make cooperation efforts to help maintain peace, stability, and development, they opined, underlining respect for international law and multilateralism, restraint in the use or threat of force, and respect for the rights and legitimate interests of all nations.
Vietnam and Australia also affirmed the commitment to promoting ASEAN’s central role, boosting cooperation at ASEAN-led forums, fostering collaboration in the Mekong sub-region, and addressing regional issues of shared concern./.
Vietnam, Australia step up comprehensive transport cooperation
Australia will provide an estimated 90 million AUD in official development assistance for Vietnam under the Australia–Vietnam Partnership for Economic Growth (Aus4Growth), with transport infrastructure as a priority area, she said, asking the MoC to provide updates on areas where Australia could provide support, especially in aviation and railway projects.
