On the afternoon of June 4th, at the Presidential Palace, President Võ Văn Thưởng received Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from June 3rd to June 4th.
During the meeting, President Võ Văn Thưởng praised Australia for providing stable ODA (Official Development Assistance) to Vietnam and actively supporting the country's COVID-19 response, including timely and substantial vaccine assistance.
President Võ Văn Thưởng also requested Australia to facilitate the Vietnamese community in Australia in preserving the Vietnamese language, culture, and traditions.
He urged for smooth visa procedures and favorable conditions for Vietnamese students to study abroad in Australia, as well as the establishment of more branches of major Australian universities in Vietnam.
Additionally, he urged the prompt implementation of amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding of Agricultural Labor Program.
In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that Vietnam has always been Australia's top priority partner in the region, expressing his desire to continuously develop cooperation with Vietnam.
He also revealed that Vietnam would hold a prominent position in Australia's 2040 Southeast Asia Economic Strategy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia has decided to provide 105 million AUD to Vietnam to enhance cooperation in climate change adaptation and energy transition.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen political trust between the two countries, viewing it as a crucial foundation for elevating bilateral relations to new heights in the future.
Regarding regional and international issues, both sides pledged to continue supporting each other and cooperating closely in regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations, APEC, ASEAN, and mechanisms led by ASEAN.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Hanoi on June 3rd, after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 in Singapore.
This marks his first official visit to Vietnam since taking office in May 2022.
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia./.
