Vietnam, Australia Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Priority Areas

Vietnamese and Australian Foreign Ministers have agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation, acknowledging the complex regional and global landscape. They reaffirmed their support for ASEAN's common position and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, freedom of navigation, and overflight. During their talks, both ministers agreed on the need to resolve regional disputes peacefully, particularly in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This reiterates Vietnam's stance on seeking resolutions based on international law, especially concerning territorial disputes with China. Australia highlights the importance of its partnership with ASEAN, and this agreement can be seen as a measure to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. For Vietnam, strengthening ties with Australia holds strategic significance for both economic development and security, as it pursues diversified international relations to sustain its growth under a one-party system. Furthermore, Australia's commitment to maintaining preferential visa fees for ASEAN citizens, including those from Vietnam, will facilitate people-to-people exchanges. This is crucial not only for economic cooperation but also for fostering cultural ties. Both nations plan to advance concrete cooperation initiatives in priority areas such as economy, security, and infrastructure development.