Outgoing Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick was presented with a Friendship Order of the Vietnamese State at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 26.

Vietnam, Laos sign new trade deal; Italy, Vietnam boost strategic partnership; Vietnam, UK boost cooperation relations; Lao Vice President welcomes Vietnamese delegation; Security Minister meets Israeli Defence Ministry Director-General

 Vietnam and France have signed a joint statement on upgrading their relations to a strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in cooperative relations between the two countries.

This year sees a wide range of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and some other countries, including two strategic partners in Asia: Japan and India.