Viet Nam, Australia forge relations

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem receives ans held talks with Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)
The affirmation was made at talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd in Hanoi on April 13.
Deputy PM Khiem welcomed Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Viet Nam , which he said would contribute to promoting the Viet Nam-Australia comprehensive partnership.
Australian Foreign Minister Rudd highlighted Viet Nam ’s role in its capacity as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and its organisation of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting plus (ADMM+) and the expansion of the East Asia Summit (EAS).
The two ministers agreed to boost investment and trade activities based on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) so as to make their economic relations match with the two countries’ political ties and potential.
Both ministers reached unanimity on enhancing bilateral ties in education and training and people to people diplomacy.
The Australian Government continues to prioritise its official development assistance provision to Viet Nam , affirmed Minister Rudd, expressing his delight at the effective implementation of Australia ’s development projects in Viet Nam .
Deputy PM Khiem thanked the Australian Government for its annual increase in ODA for Viet Nam and 160 million AUD in aid provision for building Cao Lanh bridge in the country.
The two ministers exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern and affirmed their joint coordination and mutual support at the United Nations forums.
Minister Rudd also proposed both sides enhance cooperation in dealing with calamities and coping with climate change./.