Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening relations with Australia and wants to increase comprehensive cooperation with the Oceanic nation bilaterally and multilaterally, says National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong.

During high-level talks in Hanoi on January 7, Mr Trong told the visiting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Harry Jenkins, that the two countries should fully tap their potential for expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in economics, to match their fine political ties.

He suggested that Australia continue to invest in infrastructure construction, science and technology, culture, education and personnel training in Vietnam. He also asked Australia to provide additional official development assistance (ODA) capital to Vietnam to implement development projects.

He recalled his visit to Australia in March 2008 and said that the Vietnam NA is implementing the cooperation agreement reached between the two legislative bodies during the visit to bring bilateral ties to new heights.

He suggested that the two sides continue to support each other in international forums and increase the exchange of visits to share experiences.

He briefed his guest on Vietnam’s achievements during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process and affirmed that Vietnam will make every effort to promote economic development alongside ensuring social welfare and reducing poverty.

For his part, speaker Jenkins spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to lessen the negative effects of the global economic crisis by taking effective measures to maintain a steady growth rate and ensure social welfare.

He agreed with Mr Trong’s proposal to increase cooperation between the two legislative bodies, stressing the need to conduct the exchange of parliamentary delegations more frequently to share experiences.

He said that the House is willing to support Vietnam in personnel training, infrastructure construction and in other areas.

At another reception for the Australian legislator the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that Vietnam is implementing agreements reached by the two governments during his visit to Australia last year.

He asked Australia to promptly consider recognising Vietnam’s market economy status, and expressed his hope that the two countries would reach an agreement on labour cooperation as soon as possible.

He noted with satisfaction the fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and Australia in various areas, especially in economics. Two-way trade value reached US$6 billion last year, making Australia become Vietnam’s third largest trade partner after China and Japan.

He thanked Australia for assisting the Vietnamese community, including students, to reside and study in the country. He appreciated Australia’s decision to provide AU$12 million for Vietnam to carry out a feasibility study on Cao Lanh bridge in Dong Thap province.

The Vietnamese Government will create the best possible conditions for Australian businesses to invest and operate efficiently in Vietnam, the PM affirmed.

Speaker Jenkins said that the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship will visit Vietnam next week to discuss issues relating to labour cooperation and visa extensions for Vietnamese students to study and work in Australia.

The senior Australian legislator began a week-long visit to Vietnam on January 5.

Source: VOV