Vietnamese PM Enhances Bilateral Ties in Meeting with Australian Senate President Sue Lines
Canberra, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, during his official visit to Australia, held a crucial meeting with President of the Australian Senate, Sue Lines, on Thursday. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Vietnam and Australia.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Chính extended warm regards and an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ to visit Vietnam to the Australian Senate President. The Vietnamese leader emphasized the importance of the high-level delegation’s visit, showcasing Vietnam’s commitment to reinforcing and deepening ties with Australia and strengthening the collaborative relationship between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Australian Parliament.
Acknowledging Australia’s substantial support to Vietnam, Prime Minister Chính expressed gratitude for the assistance provided during challenging times, particularly in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Australia’s role in aiding Vietnam in achieving one of the highest COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates globally.
Australian Senate President Sue Lines expressed pleasure at the robust development of the bilateral relationship over the past 50 years. She welcomed the establishment of the Vietnam-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed enthusiasm for further deepening ties in the near future. President Lines confirmed her upcoming visit to Vietnam, aiming to implement the cooperation agreement between the legislatures signed in 2022.
During the meeting, both leaders pledged to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, collaborate on climate change initiatives, and explore opportunities for direct flights to enhance cooperation in education, training, and tourism. The two sides exchanged experiences on mutual concerns, including gender equality, support for disadvantaged groups, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
Prime Minister Chính proposed the continued full implementation of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Australian Parliament, signed during NA Chairman Huệ’s official visit in 2022. He expressed hope that the Australian Parliament would create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to contribute to the development of Australia and strengthen relations between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future development of Vietnam and Australia’s relations, emphasizing shared values and the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration.