At the working session, Chief Minister Barr emphasized the importance of stepping up cooperation between Canberra and ASEAN member states, and shared the ACT’s key priorities in its international integration strategy.

Representatives of ASEAN member states exchanged views on cooperation in areas such as aviation, international education, tourism, healthcare, and trade.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Hung Tam applauded Chief Minister Barr’s support for Australia–Vietnam ties, especially between Vietnamese localities and the ACT. He also highlighted the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community and students to the local economy, and expressed hope that the ACT administration would continue to welcome Vietnamese delegations visiting and working in Canberra, thereby strengthening cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.

Chief Minister Barr thanked Ambassador Tam for his proposals and reaffirmed his personal commitment to boosting ties between Canberra and ASEAN cities in general, and Vietnamese localities in particular. He also expressed his willingness to attend the annual ASEAN Multicultural Festival scheduled for February 2026 in Canberra, when the Vietnamese Ambassador will serve as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra.

Australia hopes to see Vietnam continue to grow and prosper: ambassador

Australia wants to see Vietnam continue to grow and prosper, as Vietnam’s prosperity and security also contributes to Australia's prosperity and security, Gillian Bird, new Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, has told the press.