The statement was made by State President Truong Tan Sang at a June 20 reception in Hanoi for Australia’s outgoing ambassador to Vietnam Allaster Cox.

President Sang congratulated Cox on receiving the “For the Cause of Education” and “For the Cause of Health” orders.

The State leader highlighted the exchange of high-ranking delegations to boost mutual trust and understanding between the two countries.

He said Vietnam and Australia closely coordinate in implementing action plan for 2012-2013 and build another for the upcoming period, he said.

He thanked Australia for increasing official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam and expressed hope that both countries will join efforts to cope with new opportunities and challenges.

President Sang said he believes the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2013 will be a foundation for bilateral relations to grow and flourish.

Ambassador Cox spoke highly of Vietnam’s constant development in the fields of diplomacy, infrastructure development, education, and health care and its effective cooperation with Australia.

** Also on June 20, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh awarded Ambassador Cox a Friendship Order in recognition of his great contributions to fostering the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.