General Consul Skelly said the Australian business circle and non-governmental organizations have shown increasing interest in Vietnam. General Consul Skelly also affirmed Australia's strong assistance to Vietnam in the future.

Chairman of HCM City's Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association, Luong Van Ly, reiterated that the Australian Government and people have cooperated, shared experiences and provided assistance to Vietnam in its integration and development process.

Recalling significant events in the two countries' history of exchanges since 1973, both sides expressed their satisfaction over the development of bilateral cooperation in all fields.

They agreed that aid programmes financed by the Australian Government and non-governmental organizations have greatly contributed to poverty reduction, human resource training, rural infrastructure and development of Vietnam in general, especially HCM City in particular.

The two diplomats expressed hope that bilateral relations would be further boosted, particularly in the economic, trade and investment sectors.