Vietnamese localities, Australian state look to boost cooperation

During his visit, the Vietnamese diplomat paid a courtesy visit to NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, who affirmed his state’s recognition of importance to cooperation with Vietnamese localities.

The Governor also consented to coordinate with Vietnam in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Australia-Vietnam diplomatic ties in 2023, while showing her willingness to welcome Vietnamese high-ranking delegations and visit Vietnamese localities soon to enhance the bilateral comprehensive cooperation.

In response, Thanh said he hopes that NSW will soon carry out an action programme to realise the 2019 memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City, and consider expanding collaboration with other localities of Vietnam.

The ambassador also had a range of meetings with leaders of the NSW Parliament, who hailed the development of the Vietnam-Australia relations, including their legislative ties.

At meetings with Jess Scully, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, and Joseph La Posta, Chief Executive Officer, Multicultural NSW, Thanh thanked local leaders for their assistance to the Vietnamese community, and called for their further support in preserving Vietnamese language and culture in NSW.

The diplomat also met with Chief Justice of NSW Andrew Bell, and representatives from Australian investors and businesses. Thanh voiced his hope for stronger trade and investment ties between Vietnamese localities and NSW as the trade cooperation remained modest.

He took the occasion to make a field trip to the University of New South Wales and the University of Technology Sydney, which are leading educational institutions in Australia.

The ambassador suggested both sides bolster cooperation in science and technology, and expressed his hope for tripartite cooperation between Vietnamese and Australian universities and businesses from one of the two nations.