Viet Nam-Australia Strategic Partnership: Great benefits to both sides

Viet Nam, Australia issue Joint Statement on setting up strategic parternship

Both PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull shared the above point during their press briefing after their talks this morning.

PM Malcolm Turnbull said today is a historic day as the two countries have set up strategic partnership and agreed to work together to realize a joint vision for a secure, open and prosperity region.

Expressing pleasure at the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding on cooperation on agriculture, innovation, science and technology, vocational training and skills, PM Malcolm Turnbull said the two countries will boost cooperation in these areas as the way they did in trade and investment.

Meanwhile, PM Phuc said the two PMs had successful talks in a friendly, trustful and frank atmosphere. Especially the two sides discussed measures to elevate the bilateral ties to strategic partnership which is in accordance with the fundamental and long-term aspirations of the two nations and reflects both sides’ wish to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He said the two sides also discussed in both depth and width on a wide range of regional and international issues.

Viet Nam highly valued Australia’s organization of the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit, PM Phuc said.

The two PMs affirmed they will continue close coordination at regional and international forums, including the United Nations, the East Asia Summit, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Both sides also agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and over-flights in the East Sea, of settlement of maritime disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, of full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and of early conclusion of a more legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea.