The affirmation was made during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd in Hanoi on April 13.

Deputy PM Khiem welcomed Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Vietnam , which he said would contribute to promoting the Vietnam-Australia comprehensive partnership.

Australian Foreign Minister Rudd highlighted Vietnam’s active role as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and its successful organization of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting plus (ADMM+) and the expansion of the East Asia Summit (EAS).

The two ministers agreed to boost investment and trade activities based on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) so as to make their economic relations commensurate with the two countries’ political ties and potential.

Both ministers also agreed to enhance bilateral ties in education and training and people to people diplomacy.

VNA