Both PMs praised the continued exchange of delegations and high-level contacts between the two countries, as well as the effective cooperation in various areas in economy, trade, investment, national defence-security, labour, education and training, agriculture, sci-tech, tourism, aviation, locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges.

Albanese reaffirmed that Australia attaches great importance to enhancing relations with Vietnam. He wished to welcome Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Australia soon and suggested completing the necessary internal procedures to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the appropriate time.

The Australian side is committed to prioritising official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, especially in areas of Vietnam’s need such as climate change adaptation, energy transition, digital transformation, and digital economy.

The Australian PM also took note of PM Chinh’s proposals regarding increased labour cooperation, education and training, and supply of more scholarships to the Vietnamese students.

The two sides vowed to continue working closely together and making active contributions to promoting dialogue, cooperation and trust building through ASEAN-led mechanisms, on the basis of respect for ASEAN's central role and consultations with ASEAN, for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

They also pledged to continue supporting ASEAN's efforts to narrow the development gap and assist less-developed regions, including the Mekong sub-region.

The two countries will also partner with Laos to successfully organise the Climate Change and Energy Transition Conference in Hanoi later this year.

The Australian PM reiterated his invitation to PM Chinh to visit Australia and attend the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in March 2024. PM Chinh accepted the invitation with pleasure./.VNA