Co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the event was an initiative of the Vietnam-Australia Centre that was established at the behest of both nations’ Prime Ministers.
In his opening speech, Politburo member, HCMA Director and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang hailed the event's significance as it was held after the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is a milestone marking five decades of concerted efforts, aligned with the shared needs, interests and aspirations.
According to him, Vietnam and Australia are writing a new, impressive, profound and exemplary "story" of friendship woven from sincerity, trust, goodwill, mutual understanding and respect, as well as a shared vision and belief in a stable, peaceful and prosperous East Asia - Pacific - Indian Ocean region.
Australian Senate President Sue Lines, for her part, likened the My Thuan bridge built with Australian ODA in the Mekong Delta to a vivid symbol of bilateral friendship. She said over the past half a century, the two countries have built numerous friendship bridges and the newly established comprehensive strategic partnership will enable them to continue building more sustainable bridges of friendship.
Lines highlighted the vibrant community of 300,000 Vietnamese Australians and over 33,000 Vietnamese students in Australia as one of the bridges connecting the two nations.
She commended the collaboration with the HCMA through the Vietnam-Australia Centre, deeming it a remarkable emblem of the close relationship.
Australia is very proud that, through the Vietnam-Australia Centre, both countries are supporting each other in tackling contemporary challenges, from climate change response, adaptation to the rapidly evolving global economy, to digital transformation and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, she said.
Throughout the day, delegates delved into discussions on the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, strong and inclusive governance, economic relations, and Vietnam's four decades of renewal. The forum's outcomes and recommendations will be presented to both governments, contributing to policy-making and addressing common regional challenges.
