(VOVworld) – Vietnam and Australia will increase cooperation to deepen their comprehensive partnership to meet the aspirations of their two peoples.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh (R) Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Craig Chitick  (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement at Wednesday’s reception in Hanoi for new Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Craig Chitick.

Mr. Minh called for closer coordination to implement the newly signed Vietnam-Australia Action Plan from now until 2019 to boost cooperation in security, defense, economics, trade, investment, science, technology, agriculture, education, training, and tourism.

Deputy PM Minh encouraged Ambassador Chittick and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam to help link the localities, associations, businesses, and communities of both countries to tap the potential of each side and promote two-way trade and people-to-people exchanges. Mr. Minh called for more favorable conditions for Vietnam to export agricultural and aquatic products to the Australian market and that Australia maintain the ODA sources for Vietnam’s key areas.

Mr. Minh said he hopes the two countries will continue close coordination in international forums, including ASEAN, East Asia Summit, and APEC, for the shared goal of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Ambassador Chittick reiterated Australia’s consistent policy of considering Vietnam an important partner in the region, adding that as an ambassador he will do his utmost to improve Vietnam-Australia ties in all aspects. He said Australia will continue to support Vietnam’s hosting of APEC 2017, considering it a key part of bilateral relations next year.