Australian PM’s Vietnam visit catapults bilateral ties
(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first official visit to Vietnam, a strategic and economic partner and enduring friend to Australia, a media release on the website of PM Albanese said on Monday.
 PM Pham Minh Chinh welcomes PM Anthony Albanese in Hanoi on June 4, 2023. |
It noted that stepping-up Australia’s relations with Vietnam is an important part of the Government’s determination to rebuild Australia’s links with the countries of Southeast Asia.
This year marks 50 years since diplomatic relations were established with Vietnam. Since then, the partnership has expanded significantly, with work now underway to elevate the Australia-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the release.
Layton Pike, co-founder of the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute (AVPI), said the visit was highly successful in highlighting key aspects of a bilateral relationship, such as education, trade, security, as well as cooperation in areas like clean energy and skilled workers.
He said the continued deepening of strategic partnership contents towards new heights in the future is a clear indication that Australia-Vietnam ties are thriving and growing stronger.
Mr. Pike said he hopes to see Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visit Australia later this year. From a broader perspective, he said strengthening Australia's relationship with Vietnam is also an important part of PM Albanese's commitment to rebuilding Australia's ties with Southeast Asian countries.