Print article

VN takes lead in regional economic integration

VGP – Australian FM Julie Bishop assessed that Viet Nam made important contributions to leading regional economic integration.

November 30, 2017 3:17 PM GMT+7

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L) and Australian FM Julie Bishop, Canberra, November 30, 2017 – Photo: VNA

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan met with Australian FM Julie Bishop during her official visit to Australia, in Canberra, on November 30.

The top legislator praised the Viet Nam-Australia enhanced comprehensive partnership which have flourished in a positive manner in all areas. Viet Nam, said the Chairwoman, attaches importance to the bilateral ties with Australia and hopes to cement and deepen the ties in both bilateral and multilateral scope. 

In the year of 2018, the two countries will mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Hence, the Chairwoman pledged to work closely with Australia to mark the event with a view to consolidating people’s awareness of the friendship and cooperative ties. 

The top legislator expressed her delight to witness the positive two-way trade ties which fetched US$ 5.2 billion last year. The two countries will strive for US$ 10 billion in the coming time. The ODA source provided by Australia is appropriate with Viet Nam’s development goals. The cooperation in national defence and security has become confidential and practice. 

Ms. Ngan took the occasion to thank Australia for supporting Viet Nam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term and suggested Australia support the Southeast Asian nation at multilateral forums. 

The guest leader also treasured the Australian Government in general and the FM in particular for facilitating the overseas Vietnamese community there. 

Ms. Ngan also thanked the positive contribution of the Australian delegation led by PM Malcolm Turnbull for the recent successful organization of APEC Summit in Viet Nam. 

She recommended the two sides cooperate to discuss on regional and international issues of common concerns especially the consolidation of regional structure and acceleration of free trade progress and economic connectivity. 

In reply, Australian FM Julie Bishop asserted that the bilateral ties have flourished, expecting that the two countries would upgrade ties to strategic partnership next March. 

The FM highlight spoke of Viet Nam’s successful hosting of the 2017 APEC Summit Week, adding that Viet Nam made important contribution to leading regional economic integration/ 

Ms.  Julie Bishop also hoped to see more overseas Vietnamese students in Australia. 

Regarding the East Sea issue, she acknowledged the necessity  that world order must be based on international law. FM Julie Bishop welcomed Viet Nam to add the East Sea issue in regional forms and reiterated the need of peaceful solutions to disputes; dialogues, and respect for international laws especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./. 

By Kim Loan