Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) welcomes new Australian Ambassador Robyn Mudie in Hanoi on August 22

The host leader noted that relations between thetwo countries have been developing well in the recent past, as seen throughfruitful cooperation in economy, trade, investment, security and defence.

For the time ahead, PM Phuc told the ambassadorto help promote the exchange of high-ranking visits and meetings while bringinginto play bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the ministerial-levelones set up recently. He also asked for the Vietnam-Australia Plan of Actionfor 2016-2019 to be reviewed and an action programme to implement thecountries’ strategic partnership for 2020-2023 built soon.

The PM applauded the effective bilateralcooperation at regional and international forums, especially the UnitedNations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-PacificEconomic Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Comprehensiveand Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Mekongsub-region.

He expressed his hope for Australia’s strongcoordination, particularly when Vietnam serves as a non-permanent member of theUN Security Council for 2020-2021. Vietnam will also work closely withAustralia when the former holds the ASEAN Chair next year so as to maintain thebloc’s central role and foster the ASEAN-Australia strategic partnership.

As one of the biggest bilateral providers ofofficial development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, with about 92.7 million AUD(62.7 million USD) each year between 2013 and 2018, Australia has funded manyprojects to build essential infrastructure facilities in Vietnamese localities,including My Thuan Bridge worth 90 million AUD linking Vinh Long and Tien Giangprovinces, and Cao Lanh Bridge worth 160 million AUD in Dong Thap province.

PM Phuc hoped that Australia will maintain thistype of support for Vietnam.

Regarding the official visit from August 22 to24 by Australian PM Scott Morrison, he noted this trip holds greatsignificance, and he looks forwards to meeting his counterpart again.

The Government leader also spoke highly of theactive preparations for the visit by the two foreign ministries, especially thecountries’ ambassadors.

For her part, Robyn Mudie said her countryattaches importance to this visit as it hopes to enhance bilateral ties,especially in trade and investment.

PM Morrison’s entourage includes many leadingbusinesses representing key sectors of Australia like infrastructure, energy,aviation and education, and all of them wish to expand cooperation withVietnam, she noted. -VNA