Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had meetings with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Governor David Hurley of New South Wales on March 16 immediately after he arrived in Sydney, continuing his official visit to Australia. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) ​and Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian (Source: baochinhphu.vn)

At the meetings, the PM said he is impressed by the prosperous development of Sydney and New South Wales in general, and congratulated the state on its locomotive position in Australia’s economy, contributing more than 30 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP). 

New South Wales is also an attractive destination of tourists worldwide, including those from Vietnam, he added. 

The leader noted his hope that with its strength in industry, agriculture, finance and services, the state will enhance cooperation with Vietnam, especially in such pillar areas as trade, investment, education, science-technology, and tourism, while expanding collaboration with Vietnamese localities, helping deepen the freshly-established Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership in a more pragmatic fashion, for the sake of the two countries’ people. 

In reply, Gladys Berejiklian expressed her impression on Vietnam’s development achievements, particularly in economy. 

She applauded the affiliation between Vietnam and New South Wales as well as Sydney, stressing that the strategic partnership will offer more opportunities for the two sides to expand cooperation across fields, including training and vocational education. 

Sydney is carrying out a four-year project worth 80 billion AUD (62.4 billion USD) to upgrade its infrastructure, aiming to attract more foreign tourists and students, and seek cooperation opportunities with Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, she said. 

The Premier welcomed Radio The Voice of Vietnam (VOV)’s plan to open its representative office in Sydney, pledging to facilitate its operation. 

For his part, David Hurley said as Chief of the Australian Defence Force during 2011-2014, he supported the enhancement of cooperation between Australia and Vietnam in national defence and security through diverse forms.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L), Governor of New South Wales David Hurley and their spouses. (Source: baochinhphu.vn)

He told PM Phuc said Australia has sent many students to take part in exchange programmes in Vietnam under the New Colombo Plan. 

Both the Premier and Governor lauded contributions of the Vietnamese community to the state, describing them as a firm foundation for the friendship and bond between the two countries’ people. 

Governor David Hurley and his spouse then took PM Phuc and his spouse on a tour around the Government House, a special gesture given to their guests. 

Later the same day, PM Phuc met with Marie Bashir, former Premier of New South Wales, during which he highly valued the former Premier’s contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, especially in education, health care and public health through the “Forever Learning Fund” sponsored by the former Premier, as well as to the Vietnam-Australia relationship.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and former Premier of New South Wales Marie Bashir. (Source: baochinhphu.vn)

The leader expressed his hope that Marie Bashir, in any position, will continue to raise her voice to encourage and foster cooperation between Vietnam and New South Wales and Australia at large. 

Vietnamese people wish to welcome the former Premier to visit Vietnam at any time, he said. 

Marie Bashir promised that she will do her utmost to contribute to enhancing the friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia. 

She noted her belief that Vietnam and Australia will further intensify their role and position and make constructive contributions to the Asia-Pacific region.-VNA