Vietnamese ties with Australia stronger than ever
VOV.VN - The bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia is stronger than ever, particularly in line with commitments to closer co-operation on regional and global issues.
This affirmation was made by Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald in a recent interview given to a VOV correspondent.
The close co-operation between both sides complements ASEAN-Australia collaboration and vice versa. Together with the bloc, the two sides are working towards results that will ultimately enhance the stability, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, the Australian diplomat stated.
According to Ambassador McDonald, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's recent visit to Australia is of significance in many ways. The celebration of 50 years of joint ties in 2023 is viewed as an opportunity for the two countries to continue strengthening their bilateral relationship.
The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of the announcement to upgrade relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two nations.
This important achievement affirms that the bilateral relationship is stronger than ever with commitments to closer co-operation on regional and global issues; expanding linkages on climate, the environment, energy, and digital transformation; along with building on established co-operation in the fields of defence, security, and economics,
Another key outcome includes a new Peacekeeping Partnership Agreement to strengthen Australian support for Vietnamese peacekeeping efforts.
This is a great example of how Indo-Pacific partners can work together to support global peace and security, as well as deepen co-operation in agriculture, education, science, and navigation.
Regarding the Vietnamese role in ASEAN, Ambassador McDonald highly appreciated the close ties with Vietnam in the region and through ASEAN, with the region being at the heart of Australia's Indo-Pacific commitments.
During the ASEAN chairmanship year of Vietnam in 2020, the nation achieved many successes such as the Hanoi Declaration. Although this was a particularly difficult time for the region and the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ambassador also said that energy transition and climate change are top priorities for the bilateral and ASEAN-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative also supports the ASEAN Integration Initiative, which particularly benefits the Vietnamese side and other new members of the regional bloc.
The recent ASEAN-Australia Special Summit also included the topic of climate and clean energy, discussing ways in which to support joint efforts in the renewable energy transition.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese announced a clean energy package, thereby creating greater opportunities for Australia and ASEAN to co-operate together, including Vietnam.
The Ambassador emphasized that Australia understands that compared to "going alone", working together with Southeast Asian partners will be able to reap more achievements and working with ASEAN member states is necessary to build alignment for common goals and interests.
