Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Andrew Barr underscored the significance of enhancing cooperation with ASEAN member states during a working session with the bloc’s diplomats on June 16.

The event focused on boosting ties between Canberra and ASEAN members across multiple sectors, including aviation, international education, tourism, health care, and trade.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam expressed his appreciation for Chief Minister Barr's support for the Vietnam-Australia relations, particularly between Vietnamese localities and Canberra. He laid stress on the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community to the host’s locality.

He hoped that the Canberra administration will continue welcoming Vietnamese delegations for visits and working sessions, viewing such exchanges as vital for enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two nations.

Barr reaffirmed his personal commitment to deepening ties with cities across ASEAN, especially with Vietnam. Barr also expressed his willingness to participate in the ASEAN multicultural festival scheduled for February 2026 in Canberra, which will coincide with Vietnam’s chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in the city./.