The remarks were made during her reception for the newly appointed Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia , Hoang Vinh Thanh, on Feb. 11 in Sydney .

Governor General Bryce said she was very impressed with the good performance of Vietnamese students studying in Australia , saying that they would be a bridge for an ever-developing relation between the two nations.

The growing number of Australian tourists coming to Vietnam not only to visit beautiful landscapes but also to experience Vietnam ’s culture, history and traditional values provides another foundation for the promotion of mutual cooperation in the future.

The Governor General took the occasion to call for Vietnam ’s support for Australia to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during the 2013-2014 term.

Ambassador Hoang Vinh Thanh thanked Australia for the support it has provided Vietnam over the past years, which he said, has enabled the country to achieve significant progresses in economic development, poverty reduction and global integration.

The My Thuan bridge, Thanh said, is a vivid symbol for the fine relations between Vietnam and Australia . He said he wished that Australia would continue its support, especially in finance to help Vietnam complete the Cao Lanh bridge as scheduled.

He also called for Australia ’s cooperation and support in order for Vietnam to fulfil the role of ASEAN Chair in 2010.

At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Thanh conveyed an invitation from the State President of Vietnam to the Governor General of Australia to visit Vietnam in the nearest time possible./.