Vietnam, Australia agree to step up cooperation in different fields
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 25 spoke highly of results in defence cooperation between Vietnam and Australia, which he viewed as a bright spot in the bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Donald Marles. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham MinhChinh on November 25 spoke highly of results in defence cooperation betweenVietnam and Australia, which he viewed as a bright spot in the bilateral relations.
At a reception for visiting Australian Deputy PrimeMinister and Minister for Defence Richard Donald Marles in Hanoi, the PM highlighted cooperationoutcomes in UN peacekeeping operations, military medicine, the sharing ofinformation and experience and the settlement of war consequences, as well as thetwo countries’ cooperation at multilateral mechanisms, particularly the ASEANDefence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM ).
PM Chinh suggested the two sides continue with existing cooperation fields, focusing on high-levelvisits and meetings, firstly well preparing for the upcoming official visit to Australia byNational Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.
The two countries should prioritise cooperation inUN peacekeeping operations, he said, calling on Australia to continue itssupport to Vietnam in transporting the level-2 field hospital to South Sudan in2023 and the following years.
The PM noted his belief that Marles's visit willcontribute to strengthening the bilateral defence ties, thus further developing theVietnam-Australia relationship in line with their strategic partnership forpeace, prosperity and development in each country, the region and the world atlarge.
Emphasising Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence,self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, and beinga good friend and a reliable and responsible member of the internationalcommunity, he said Vietnam always attaches importance to its relations withAustralia and highly values the country’s potential and position in theinternational arena.
The government leader also highlighted the bilateral trade andinvestment ties, and Australia’s timely support to Vietnam in COVID-19prevention and control.
For his part, Marles suggested Vietnam andAustralia upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnershipin 2023 when they mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomaticties.
The two sides should work harder to accelerate theimplementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-PacificPartnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CPTPP)and other cooperation mechanisms to elevate their cooperation to a new height,especially in trade, investment, climate change response, education-training,and national defence and security.
Lauding Marles's cooperation initiatives, PM Chinhexpressed his hope that the official will pay more attention to expanding anddeepening the Vietnam-Australia relations, particularly in politics andeconomy, trade and investment, contributing to ensuring the sustainability ofsupply chains between the two countries as well as in the region and theworld./.
A delegation of the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOV) led by its deputy head Mai Phan Dung had meetings with representatives of Vietnamese associations in Australia, during the visit to the country from November 6-10.
Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang on November 25 hosted an official welcome ceremony for Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Donald Marles who is on an official visit to Vietnam from November 24-25, 2022.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Donald Marles. (Photo: VNA) 
