Australia and Vietnam sign $105 million decarbonization agreement along with other pacts
- In Reports
- 12:27 PM, Jun 06, 2023
- Myind Staff
In an attempt to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, Australia and Vietnam signed a raft of agreements on Anthony Albanese’s two-day visit to Hanoi.
By the end of the year, both nations hope to complete a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which Albanese claims will "signal the trust that we have in each other as top partners and enduring friends."
The two nations inked a number of agreements, including one worth $105 million to assist Vietnam in decarbonizing its economy. They also agreed to share information about money laundering and set up a regular meeting of trade ministers.
Albanese was given an elaborate welcome at the president's palace in Hanoi, where he was greeted by a full military guard of honour and dozens of young children waving Australian and Vietnamese flags.
After the meeting, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the relationship warmly, saying Vietnam was "keen to enter a new chapter of strategic collaboration and elevate the friendship with Australia to a higher level".
He also said both countries had "reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea or South China Sea".
Vietnam shares Australia's concerns about Beijing's efforts to impose control over the entire region. Vietnam's coast guard vessels have had several heated encounters with Chinese warships in South China Sea waters claimed by both nations.
According to PM Albanese, the two leaders "discussed our shared vision of an open, stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific that is respectful of national sovereignty".
In order to address a skills deficit, Vietnam has also been putting pressure on Australia's federal government to loosen restrictions on the number of Vietnamese employees who may enter the country.
PM Albanese seemed open to that idea, saying he had discussed the issue with business leaders from both countries during his time in Hanoi.
"In some of the areas where there are skill shortages, Vietnam can be of great assistance," he said.
Prior to the meeting, Albanese added that he will also bring up human rights issues with top Vietnamese authorities, notably the 73-year-old Australian Chau Van Kham, who is now detained in Vietnam for being a member of an anti-government party that promotes democracy.
However, it is still unclear how vehemently he lobbied his counterparts on the matter or whether the administration will have any hope of getting him released.
Although Pham is anticipated to travel to Australia for the ASEAN leaders summit the following year, there is already talk that he may travel there for a bilateral visit much sooner—possibly within the upcoming few months.
Albanese said he was "hopeful" the Vietnamese prime minister might be able to make the trip "at a mutually convenient time in the future".
Image source: Reuters
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