Hanoi (VNA) - State President Luong Cuong hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 25 for Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite, who is in Vietnam to attend the Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention).
President Cuong expressed appreciation for Australia’s active support for Vietnam as the host of the signing ceremony and thanked the Australian Government for its timely aid of 3 million AUD (nearly 2 million USD) to help Vietnam overcome the aftermath of Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo.
He affirmed that Australia is one of the most important Comprehensive Strategic Partners of Vietnam in the Asia–Pacific region, noting that Australia’s support reflects the close friendship, solidarity and special bonds between the two nations.
Thistlethwaite congratulated Vietnam on successfully hosting the signing ceremony of such an important UN convention, as well as its impressive achievements in socio-economic growth, infrastructure, and education, describing Vietnam as a rising bright spot in the region.
He extended sympathies to those affected by recent floods in Vietnam, affirming that Australia stands ready to continue supporting and accompanying the Vietnamese people.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the strong and effective progress of the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting encouraging outcomes in the implementation of the 2024–2027 Action Programme. Most planned activities have been completed or are on track, including the state visit to Vietnam by the Australian Governor-General in September 2025, with both sides actively coordinating to realise its results.
They concurred that amid complex developments in the regional and global situation, enhancing mutual trust and cooperation not only benefits the people of both nations but also contributes to strengthening regional and global peace and stability. President Cuong proposed the two countries deepen economic connectivity, soon realise the target of 20 billion USD in two-way trade, and double mutual investment within the next two to three years. He welcomed Australia’s investment in Vietnam, which exceeded 3 billion USD in the first half of 2025.
The State leader also called for stronger collaboration in the fields of climate change, environment, and energy, and supporting each other’s efforts towards net-zero emissions and clean energy transition. He emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including joint training programmes on digital transformation and new technologies.
President Cuong stressed that people-to-people exchange remains a vital bridge between the two nations, encouraging the expansion of cultural and friendship activities, more direct flight routes between major cities, and greater promotion of cultural values to enhance mutual understanding.
Thistlethwaite reaffirmed that Australia regards Vietnam as a key partner in the region and is committed to advancing cooperation across all fields. He noted with delight that Vietnam now ranks fourth in terms of number of foreign students in Australia, and expressed readiness to expand educational collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in areas of Australia’s strength, such as environment, energy transition, and mining.
Echoing President Cuong’s views, the Australian official agreed on the need to boost people-to-people ties through language, cultural, tourism, and trade exchanges.
He also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to deepening connections with Southeast Asia and continuing the effective implementation of its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, in which Vietnam is identified as one of the key partners./.
