Australian expert pins high hopes on flourishing Vietnam – Australia ties
VOV.VN - The official Vietnam visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a success, a sign that bilateral relationship will continue to grow and flourish in the future, according to co-founder of the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute Layton Pike.
In a recent media interview, Pike stated that the visit was highly successful in highlighting key aspects of bilateral relationship, such as education, trade, security, as well as cooperation in areas like clean energy and skilled workers.
He reiterated that PM Albanese stressed Australia's desire to boost cooperation with Vietnam to deal with the shortage of skilled workers in Australia, considering it a top priority.
The continued deepening of strategic partnership contents towards new heights in the future is a clear indication that the Australia-Vietnam ties are thriving and growing stronger, he continued.
Pike rejoiced at stronger bilateral ties across multiple fields, especially in addressing security challenges and climate change in the future, and highlighted Australia will assist Vietnam in its energy transition with a aid package of AUD105 million (US$69.9 million), enabling sustainable development planning, clean energy expansion, and mining, and expanded support for Vietnam in agriculture. This demonstrates the momentum of bilateral relationship for the coming years.
Glowingly speaking of the inauguration of the Business Connectivity and Innovation Centre at RMIT University in Hanoi, he said he believes that the centre will enable communities, Government agencies, organisations and businesses in Hanoi to augment cooperation in serving development priorities, including smart and sustainable city initiatives, regional collaboration, emerging technologies, and social innovation.
Pike added he is also impressed with how PM Albanese mingled in Vietnamese culture and customs and had a great time during his visit. According to him, all of these contribute to deepening personal connections between the two countries’ leaders and strengthening the overall bilateral ties. Furthermore, the opportunity to enjoy bia hoi (draft beer) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) also offered him a chance to highlight the importance of Australia’s exports such as barley and wheat flour used in the production of beer and bread in Vietnam, among other products.
From a broader perspective, he said strengthening Australia's relationship with Vietnam is also an important part of PM Albanese's commitment to rebuilding Australia's ties with Southeast Asian nations.