The diplomat made the statement while presenting his credentials to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce on February 27.

He said that based on the achievements of the bilateral relationship over the last four decades and the efforts of both sides, Viet Nam-Australia relations will continue expanding.

Ambassador Nghi said the visit of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to Viet Nam earlier this month was a step forward in bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially economics-trade-investment, security-defence, and education-training.

He also lauded Australia’s maintenance of ODA provision to Viet Nam, while welcoming the country’s New Colombo Plan, which offers Australian undergraduates new opportunities for prestigious scholarships and grants for study opportunities and internships/mentorships in the Indo Pacific region.

The Governor-General expressed her delight at the robust growth of the bilateral ties, especially since the comprehensive partnership was set up in 2009.

Last year, various joint activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1973-2013) contributed to strengthening people-to-people contacts, she noted.

The Australian host said she believes that with the building of a new plan of action for the 2014-2016 period, the all-round cooperation between the two countries will be promoted.

She voiced her hope that Viet Nam will join the Colombo Plan to foster people-to-people diplomacy, especially among younger generations.

Bryce also expressed her hope that in his new position, Ambassador Nghi will make positive contributions to the development of the Viet Nam-Australia comprehensive partnership.-VNA