This was the view expressed by the chief judge of Vietnam’s Supreme People's Court, Truong Hoa Binh, during talks with the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Michel Black, in Hanoi on September 8.

Mr Binh thanked the Australian court for its effective support, especially in developing a “judge’s handbook” – an important document to improve the consistency of a judge’s performance. Australia has also helped Vietnam train and improve the qualifications of its court staff.

Mr Black expressed his delight at the fine development of the two countries’ court sectors and affirmed that these co-operative relations will bring a practical benefit for both sectors.

The two chief justices signed a memorandum of understanding on juridical co-operation to create a legal framework for co-operative activities based on the principles of respecting sovereignty and non-interference.