PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Australian Ambassador Crag Chittick 

The PM highlighted fruitful Vietnam - Australia relations in multiple fields, especially in trade.

He expressed his thanks for the official development assistance (ODA) the Australian Government has provided for Vietnam, saying that the aid has been used effectively.

Vietnam and Australia have cooperated in multiple economic fields and discussed numerous regional and international issues, the PM said.

Vietnam currently has about 50,000 students in Australia, Phuc said, adding that they play an important role in promoting he two counries’ relations.

Vietnam wants to cooperate with Australia in such fields as science and technology, mineral exploration, and develop comprehensive cooperation with the country in economics, culture, education and training, and tourism.

He agreed with the Ambassador’s proposals to implement joint projects on poverty reduction and gender equality, saying he will instruct relevant agencies to work with Australia on the projects.

The PM welcomed Australia’s acceleration of signing the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and expressed his wish that the Ambassador will contribute to opening a new chapter in cooperation between the two nations

For his part, Ambassador Chittick said the Australian Government pledges to support the TPP. The country also supports Vietnam as a candidate for the director-general position of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

He highlighted fruitful cooperation between the two nations in national defence, security and economic development at the governmental level and among businesses.

Australia provides ODA to support Vietnam in developing the private sector, training human resources, and narrowing development gaps between regions.

He also underlined cooperation potential in telecommunication, specifically in 5G development.

The Ambassador expressed his wish that the two sides will work together to promote the exchange of agricultural products.-VNA