Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells speaks at the celebration of Vietnam's 72nd National Day in Canberra (Photo: VNA)Canberra (VNA) – AustralianMinister for International Development and the Pacific ConcettaFierravanti-Wells has highlighted considerable strides Vietnam has made inrecent decades at a ceremony in Canberra to mark the 72nd National Day ofVietnam (September 2).
The Doi moi has turned it into an emerging country in Southeast Asia, sheaffirmed at the celebrations held by the Vietnamese Embassy on September 1.
She also emphasised the countries’ tightened links in economy, security andtrade. Bilateral trade reached 10.5 billion AUD (about 8.3 billion USD) in2016.
She noted they also share similar viewpoints onmany important regional issues, and both agree on ASEAN’s central role inpromoting security and prosperity in the region. They also vowed to enhanceregional economic integration.
Additionally, bilateral relations are thrivingin many other spheres such as dialogue on human rights, people-to-peopleexchange, and education and tourism cooperation.
The minister stressed Vietnam’s prosperitybenefits both Australia and the region, expressing her hope for the countries’closer relations.
Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam said sincethe Doi moi (reforms) was launched in 1986, Vietnam has become one of theeconomies with fastest growth in the region. Millions of people have escapedfrom poverty while young Vietnamese are increasingly optimistic about thefuture and want to seek new opportunities. People nationwide have also beenbetter protected from climate change impacts and diseases.
He also mentioned his country’s sound relationswith partners around the globe, particularly with Australia, expressing hishope that the bilateral partnership will keep growing and reach a strategicpartnership status soon.
At the ceremony, on behalf of the VietnamesePresident, Ambassador Nam presented the Friendship Order and the insignia ofVietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to four professors and executivesof the Australian National University to recognise their contribution tobilateral cooperation.-VNA
VNA
