Australia aims to expand cooperation with Vietnam in many fields, such as energy, education, defense, science, technology, innovation, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
| Delegates looked at children's drawings on display at the program. Photo: VNA |
That's the statement of Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski during a friendship exchange to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia (February 26, 1973).
The event was jointly organized by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association in Hanoi on March 31.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador emphasized that the bilateral relationship is built on mutual trust and effective cooperation in many fields.
"As one of the first countries to establish relations with Vietnam right after the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, after 50 years of establishment and development, the Vietnam-Australia relationship has gradually developed steadily, stably with many impressive achievements," the Ambassador shared.
For example, in innovation and high technology, Australian investors were the first foreign partners participating in the projects of satellite stations, ATMs, and commercial banks.
"Regarding our friendship, we not only look to a proud past but also look forward to a promising future. The future of the bilateral relationship will be built on trust and understanding. I can confidently say that there has never been a time in history when the relationship between the two sides has been as strong and well-developed as it is now," said Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski.
| A painting of Hanoi students displayed at the event. Photo: Ngo Minh |
On behalf of Hanoi leaders, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen said the city government always attaches importance to cooperation with Australian localities.
He said the city's leaders regularly have meetings to exchange and seek opportunities to cooperate with representatives of the Australian states.
For people-to-people diplomacy, for many years, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association in Hanoi have had many practical activities such as organizing a painting contest on the Vietnam-Australia friendship, competition to learn about the country and people of Australia, seminars on Australian education; and Vietnam-Australia football tournament.
"These activities have contributed to strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Vietnam and Australia. We believe that with the efforts of the Governments and peoples of the two countries, the multifaceted cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Australia will continue to reach new results, deserving of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries," said Quyen.
Mentioning some of the bilateral cooperation highlights, Quyen recalled the Covid-19 pandemic and that both countries have provided each other with valuable and timely cooperation and support.
"As Vietnam's second largest Covid-19 vaccine donor, Australia assisted more than 26.4 million vaccines, helping Vietnam control the pandemic and focus on recovery and economic development," said Quyen.
Through songs praising the country's beauty and Hanoi and Vietnam-Australia traditional culture, the program can be considered a gift for the delegates, strengthening the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Australia and between Hanoi and Canberra as well. This is also an opportunity to promote the image of Hanoi - A city for peace, friendliness, and hospitality.
After half a century, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia has been built up strongly and achieved many successes. The two countries elevated their ties to Comprehensive Partnership in 2009 and Enhanced Comprehensive Partnership in 2015.
The political relationship between the two countries is becoming closer and more trustworthy through the maintenance of delegation exchanges and meetings at every level.
In 2023, both sides are actively coordinating to prepare for activities commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations, including high-level visits, cultural events, people-to-people exchange, and tourism promotion.
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