Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc receives former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Hà Nội yesterday. — Photo VGP

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam wishes to foster ties with Australia in the areas of politics, trade, investment, culture and education, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said.
During a reception for former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Hà Nội yesterday, the Vietnamese Prime Minister expressed his thanks for the support the former Australian prime minister gave to Việt Nam in the co-operation programmes between Việt Nam and Australia, especially the joint project to build Cao Lãnh Bridge in the Mekong Delta province of Đồng Tháp.
He also highlighted the comprehensive partnership between the two nations, with the annual average growth in bilateral trade reaching 10 per cent.
"Australia is a key export market for Việt Nam, particularly for agricultural products, and Việt Nam has continuously improved the quantity as well as the quality of its export products to the country," PM Phúc reiterated.
PM Phúc also expressed his thanks for the active aid, including ODA capital, that the Australian Government has provided to Việt Nam for its socio-economic development.
He called for further co-operation between the two nations at international and regional forums for peace and prosperity.
Former PM Rudd expressed his hope that the Cao Lãnh Bridge would bring about practical benefits for local residents and contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development.
He also highlighted the increasing number of Vietnamese students and citizens studying and working in Australia, saying that they have contributed to strengthening the friendship and economic and cultural co-operation between the two nations’ governments and peoples.
He spoke highly of Việt Nam’s high-quality agricultural exports to the country, including fresh lychee fruits, and suggested the two nations boost co-operation in tourism.
The Australian PM also attached significance to the international status of Việt Nam, particularly in the ASEAN bloc, saying that the country has made positive contributions to regional stability and peace and prosperity throughout the region and world.
He pledged to continue his support for a more strengthened and extensive relationship between the two nations. — VNS