Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang (right) and Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam Andrew Goledzinowski, had talks on Tuesday in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang hosted a reception in Hà Nội on Tuesday for Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam Andrew Goledzinowski, during which he suggested the two sides coordinate together closely to well organise celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Australia diplomatic ties this year, including thorough preparations for the exchange of delegations in the coming time.

Quang expressed his delight at the strong and practical development of the bilateral strategic partnership in various areas. In particular, two-way trade hit US$16.1 billion in 2022, more than 30 times higher than in 2021, making Australia the 10th largest trade partner of Việt Nam and Việt Nam the seventh biggest trade partner of Australia.

According to the Deputy PM, Australia have invested in 579 projects worth nearly US$2 billion in Việt Nam, ranking 20th out of 141 countries and territories investing in Việt Nam. Meanwhile, Việt Nam has poured investment in 87 projects valued at $540 million in Australia.

In United Nations peacekeeping operations, Australia helped Việt Nam four times to transport Level 2 field hospitals to South Sudan, offered English language training and equipment to the field hospitals. Australia provided Việt Nam with 26.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, becoming the second largest vaccine donor to the country.

Goledzinowski, for his part, affirmed that Australia considers Việt Nam a close and strategic partner and a good friend. He added that Australia has decided to increase its official development assistance (ODA) funding for Việt Nam by 18 per cent during the fiscal year 2022-2023 to AUD92.8 million ($61.9 million), with the expectation to build more works in Việt Nam.

The host and guest expressed their belief that the friendship and cooperation between Việt Nam and Australia will keep thriving in various areas in the coming time. They also emphasised the importance of ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world, and respecting the United Nations Charter and international law. — VNS