Hanoi (VNA) – Associate Professor Dr Doan Minh Huan, Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), on April 1 held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Australia and India to Vietnam to discuss orientations for strengthening cooperation in research and the training of senior officials.
At the meeting with Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird, Huan emphasised that the academy stands ready to contribute to deepening bilateral ties through academic exchanges, policy research and the sharing of strategic visions, particularly as the world undergoes profound changes driven by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation and the green transition. He expressed thanks to the Australian Government for its continued support through capacity-building projects for Vietnam’s senior leadership.
Looking ahead, Huan proposed enhancing the role of the Vietnam–Australia Centre (VAC) at the HCMA and called for Australia’s support and experience-sharing in areas such as green transition linked to green growth, urban development management, the creative economy, heritage conservation and addressing social security challenges in the digital era. He also expressed his wish for promoting specialised academic diplomacy between scholars and research institutions of both sides.
For her part, Bird affirmed that Australia regards Vietnam as a highly important partner and commended the country’s approach in balancing economic development with green transition and social inclusion.
She noted that Australia is committed to implementing the second phase of its cooperation programme (2027–2035), focusing on key pillars including digital transformation, gender equality, green transition and human rights. Australia also expressed its wish to cooperate with the academy in developing the provincial governance and public administration performance index (PAPI), and invited the HCMA President to serve as co-chair of the project’s steering committee.
During his meeting with Indian Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa, Huan said there remains significant scope to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly as the two countries prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Regarding future prospects, he proposed maximising the role of the Indian research centre at the academy to organise scientific seminars and promote investment linkages. The HCMA President also suggested expanding training and capacity-building programmes for Vietnamese officials in India, especially in areas of India’s strength such as strategic autonomy, science and technology development, cultural industries, entertainment and heritage preservation.
Huan further expressed his wish to promote strategic dialogue on policy and theory between the Communist Party of Vietnam and India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through party-to-party diplomatic channels.
Sherpa affirmed that India always regards Vietnam as a close friend and noted that both countries are preparing a range of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership. He voiced strong support for the proposals put forward by his host.
On this occasion, the diplomat extended an invitation to Huan to visit India under its Government’s distinguished guest programme, and proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Nalanda University and the HCMA during an upcoming high-level visit. He also affirmed India’s readiness to coordinate with the academy in organising seminars on Buddhist culture./.
