In an interview granted to a Viet Nam News Agency reporter on the sidelines of the signing ceremony and high-level conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime which are taking place in the Vietnamese capital city of Ha Noi on October 25-26, Thistlethwaite affirmed that this is a crucial moment for Viet Nam and the world to work together to address the growing issue of cybersecurity, while ensuring that the people remain safe and protected.
Showing his impression with Viet Nam’s level of development over the past 20 years, especially in a city like Ha Noi, he said that this is one of the reasons why Viet Nam was chosen to host this important signing ceremony, which also demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to addressing cybersecurity issues not only in the region but also globally.
Assessing the UN Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Ha Noi Convention, Thistlethwaite affirmed that for the first time, the international community has a convention dedicated specifically to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of cyber-related crimes.
It covers both crimes committed through cyberspace (such as human trafficking or the sharing of intimate images) and crimes dependent on cyberspace (such as cyberattacks). At last, the world has reached a consensus to recognise these as criminal acts and to cooperate in building a framework for the investigation and prosecution against them.
According to the minister, cybersecurity cooperation has become a key pillar of the Australia–Viet Nam partnership. Earlier this year, Australia signed a four-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cyber and critical technology cooperation with Viet Nam, ensuring the two governments work together to share information, build skills, and collaborate at multilateral forums. The goal is to protect the two countries’ citizens, businesses, and economies from cyber threats and ensure effective prosecution of cybercrimes.
Regionally, Australia is investing 85 million AUD (55.4 million USD) to strengthen cybersecurity capacity across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, while working with key partners like Viet Nam to keep the people and economies safe.
Thistlethwaite stressed that cybercrime knows no borders, as it threatens every nation. Australia has faced major attacks on telecoms, insurers, and even the national airline, most originating overseas. This underscores the need for global cooperation. That’s why this Ha Noi Convention matters. It reflects the world’s shared commitment to act together against cyber threats.
As Vietnam has also faced serious incidents impacting its economy and people, Australia looks forward to working with the country to share information and strengthen collective cybersecurity, he said.
