Vietnam proud to have a friend like Australia: President Tran Dai Quang hinh anh 1President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove toast the development of the two countries' relations at the banquet in Hanoi on May 24 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is very proud to have a friend and a partner like Australia, President Tran Dai Quang said at a banquet in honour of Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove and his spouse in Hanoi on May 24.

The Governor-General of Australia and his spouse are paying a State visit to Vietnam from May 23 to 26 on the occasion of the 45th founding anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

At the banquet following an official welcome ceremony, President Quang said weathering many difficulties and challenges, bilateral relations have grown steadier and stronger than ever. The year 2018 has witnessed many important events in Vietnam-Australia relations, including the elevation of their ties to a strategic partnership last March.

Reviewing the outcomes in bilateral connections, he noted with satisfaction the increasingly strengthened mutual understanding and political trust between the two countries’ leaders and people.

He voiced his belief that the visit by the Governor-General will be successful, thus helping foster the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership, bringing more practical benefits for the countries’ people and contributing to regional peace, stability, cooperation and development.

In his speech, Governor-General Cosgrove expressed his delight at his first visit to Vietnam, adding that the trip amid the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties is also an occasion for the two countries to move towards new frameworks in their strategic partnership.

[Photos: Official welcome ceremony for Australia's Governor-General]

He affirmed that Australia is also proud to have a close friend and partner like Vietnam to join hands for the sake of peace and prosperity in the two countries, as well as in the region and the world.

Vietnamese and Australian scientists and researchers are cooperating to apply their research findings to life. Servicemen and servicewomen of the countries are working together to prepare for Vietnam’s first deployment of military officers to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Meanwhile, their businesses are boosting partnerships in new spheres such as renewable energy and agriculture, he noted.

The visiting leader said bilateral connections will further develop in both depth and width in the time ahead, and these linkages will be a solid foundation for the two countries to build a brighter future.

Also on May 24 morning, Governor-General Cosgrove laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the Vietnamese late leader’s mausoleum in Hanoi.

Vietnam and Australia officially set up the diplomatic relationship on February 26, 1973. Over the last 45 years, they have built strong relations, especially since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and the signing of a declaration on an enhanced comprehensive partnership in March 2015. In March 2018, the countries elevated their ties to the strategic partnership.-VNA
VNA