Vietnam, Australia Pledge to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn on Monday hosted a reception for newly-appointed Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Gillian Bird, expressing confidence that her tenure will further strengthen the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Deputy PM Sơn emphasized that Australia remains one of Vietnam’s most trusted and significant partners in the region, noting the high level of political trust and shared strategic vision between the two nations. He welcomed the strong, substantive development in bilateral ties, particularly in the context of Vietnam’s pursuit of its four strategic breakthroughs: administrative reform, technological innovation, digital transformation, and private sector development.
He voiced hope that Australia would continue to provide effective support for Vietnam’s development goals through practical collaboration. He urged Ambassador Bird to help maintain the momentum of bilateral cooperation, especially through high-level visits, inter-agency coordination, and enhanced locality-to-locality partnerships. He also called for the regular review and effective implementation of the 2024–2027 Action Plan under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Deputy PM Sơn highlighted the two countries’ strong defence and security cooperation, particularly in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He proposed further expansion in areas such as transnational crime prevention and civil registration data management.
On economic ties, Sơn stressed the importance of the Vietnam–Australia Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy and encouraged efforts to increase market access, maximize the benefits of free trade agreements, and work toward a two-way trade target of US$20 billion. He underscored the need to maintain a rules-based free trade system and ensure resilient, secure supply chains.
He also expressed appreciation for Australia’s support in climate change adaptation and called for continued cooperation in Vietnam’s energy transition and the achievement of its net-zero emissions target by 2050. Additionally, he encouraged deeper educational links, requesting further support for Vietnamese students pursuing academic and research opportunities in Australia to foster strong people-to-people connections.
Ambassador Gillian Bird reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to advancing relations with Việt Nam, stating that Việt Nam’s development and success are in Australia’s interests. She pledged to translate high-level commitments into concrete projects and deepen engagement with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and local governments. She also confirmed that preparations are underway for upcoming high-level visits.
On regional and international issues, Deputy PM Sơn welcomed Australia’s active contributions to Southeast Asia, especially regarding the East Sea (South China Sea), and encouraged stronger Australian engagement with Mekong sub-region countries to promote sustainable development.
Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to upholding international law and fostering peace, stability, and cooperation at the regional and global levels.
On this occasion, Deputy PM Sơn extended an invitation to Australian leaders to participate in the signing ceremony of the United Nations convention against cybercrime, scheduled to take place in Hanoi this October.
