(VOVworld)- The 40^th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic relations was celebrated in Canberra, Australia yesterday. In his speech, Vietnamese ambassador to Australia Hoang Vinh Thanh said that since Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties were established in 1973, bilateral relations have progressed steadily in economics, politics, national defense, security and education. The relationship has continued to develop since the two nations set up a comprehensive partnership in 2009. Australia is currently Vietnam’s 8^th largest trading partner and 18^th biggest investor. Meanwhile, people-to-people exchanges have laid a firm foundation for promoting friendship and mutual understanding across a variety of fields. Australian permanent Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Varghese conveyed congratulations from Australian leaders to the Vietnamese Government and people on the occasion. Varghese said Australia valued its relations with Vietnam and that bilateral ties are developing comprehensively.