During a meeting with Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn on 11/8, General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized that Australia is a trusted friend and partner, sharing many strategic interests with Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Governor-General Mostyn noted that Australia and Vietnam share similar development visions, viewing science and technology, innovation, education, and high-quality human resources as key drivers of progress. She affirmed this provides a favorable foundation for the two countries to expand cooperation into new areas, adding that Australia seeks to be a reliable partner for Vietnam, ready to collaborate and support Vietnam in achieving its development goals.

General Secretary and President To Lam met with Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn on 11/8. Photo: VNA

General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that the two countries continue to strengthen political trust through high-level exchanges and cooperation channels. He also called for expanded defense and security cooperation, and boosted trade and investment, aiming for a bilateral trade turnover target of 20 billion USD and a significant increase in two-way investment.

Vietnam hopes to attract more high-quality capital flows from Australian enterprises and investment funds, particularly through Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Additionally, Vietnam requested that the Australian government continue to facilitate the expansion of Vietnamese businesses' operations in Australia.

In the realm of development cooperation, education, and knowledge sharing, General Secretary and President To Lam requested Australia to continue supporting Vietnam in improving public governance capacity, administrative reform, and public sector digital transformation. He also sought expanded scholarships, stronger linkages between universities and research institutes, and increased vocational training cooperation to meet the human resource demands of new industries.

General Secretary and President To Lam also proposed enhancing cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people connections, especially among youth, researchers, and young leaders. Appreciating Australia's multicultural policy, he expressed hope that Australia would continue to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to thrive, contribute positively to Australian society, and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

The Governor-General of Australia praised the increasingly prominent contributions of the Vietnamese community in Australia, as well as the role of Vietnamese students, intellectuals, experts, and entrepreneurs in fostering connections between the two countries. Australia is committed to continuing to provide a supportive environment for the Vietnamese community to leverage its strengths, preserve its cultural identity, and contribute to Australia's diversity and prosperity.

General Secretary and President To Lam met with Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn on 11/8. Photo: VNA

Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law. They committed to working towards a peaceful, stable, inclusive, and sustainably developing Indo-Pacific region.

On the same day, General Secretary and President To Lam also met with President of the Senate Sue Lines and Speaker of the House Milton Dick, and received Angus Taylor, leader of the opposition coalition and president of the Liberal Party of Australia.

General Secretary and President To Lam conducted a state visit to Australia from 9-12/8 at the invitation of Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This marks his first visit to Australia in his new capacity and is the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader since the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 3/2024.

Pham Giang