Australia Supports ASEAN's Unity and Central Role; FM Meets Australian Counterpart

On July 22, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings, Vietnamese Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung held a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. During the meeting, Minister Trung emphasized that Vietnam considers Australia a trusted friend and a comprehensive strategic partner with great potential. Both sides agreed to accelerate cooperation in research and the commercialization of technology. The two ministers also discussed further promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia. This included the second Vietnam-Australia Senior Officials' Dialogue. It was indicated that Australian parliamentarians also support further promoting the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Australia. Australia reiterated its support for strengthening ASEAN's unity and promoting ASEAN's central role in the region. Source: Nhan Dan