PM receives Australian Minister for Defense

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Australian Minister for Defense Marise Payne, Ha Noi, August 24, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc made that statement at his reception for Australian Minister for Defense Marise Payne on August 24 on the occasion of the Australian Minister’s working visit to Viet Nam.

The PM hailed the development in the two nations’ defense relations, which is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation inked in 2010.

He proposed Australia facilitate Vietnamese products, especially fruits and aquatic products to penetrate into Australia.

Viet Nam highly appraised Australia’s standpoint on the East Sea issue, expecting that Australia will raise its voice to strongly support the handling of disputes in the East Sea with peaceful measures, based on the international regulations and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and towards building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The host consented to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism between nations in the region.

He expressed his hope to welcome Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull to the APEC Summit Week in Viet Nam this year.

Ms. Marise Payne highlighted Viet Nam’s participation in the United Nations peace-keeping force, adding that Australia is willing to support Viet Nam’s force in the United Nations peace-keeping force in Africa.

Australia always launched consistent access to addressing issues in the region in line with  international laws, she affirmed, highly appreciating the role of Viet Nam in the region.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership still brings benefits for its member countries and the Australian Government has made efforts in pursuing the TPP, she asserted.

She expected that Viet Nam will closely cooperate with Australia to combat terrorism in the region.

By Thuy Dung