Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Australian FM Julie Bishop before their talks in Ha Noi on Feb. 18, 2014 - Photo: VGP

The two countries have fruitfully implemented the joint action program for the 2010-2013, actively maintained bilateral cooperation mechanisms like the Joint Trade and Economic Cooperation Committee, Strategic Defense Dialogue, signed a number of new cooperative documents on national defense, criminal extradition, science and technology, and education.

Australia is the 8^th biggest trade partner of Viet Nam and home to about 25,000 Vietnamese students. Australia has also increased aid to support Viet Nam’s development efforts, including the projects on building Cao Lanh and My Thuan bridges in the South.

At the talks, both sides agreed to boost exchange of high-ranking delegations, quickly finalize the action program for the 2014-2016 period in a bid to expand  cooperation in such fields like politics, security, defense, trade, investment, development aid, education among others.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, affirmed mutual support at forums like East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, Trans-Pacific Partnership, the UN.

The two sides agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea, ensuring maritime freedom, safety and security, implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and working towards to the conclusion of a Code of Conduct.

Australian FM Julie Bishop spoke highly of Viet Nam’s achievements in socio-economic development and international integration, reiterating that the new Government of Australia sees Viet Nam as one of the major partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM Minh stressed on Viet Nam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to the comprehensive partnership with Australia and asked the two Foreign Ministries to continue maintaining annual consular and human rights dialogue mechanisms.

He took the occasion to thank Australia for backing Viet Nam’s bid for a seat on the UN human rights council in the 2014-2016 period and called on Australia to support Viet Nam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2011 tenure.

During her stay in Viet Nam, Australian FM Julie Bishop is expected to meet with leaders of the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Planning and Investment, and Public Security.