PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng and his Australian counterpart exchanged information of their respecitve countries.

Highly praising Việt Nam’s achievements, the host expressed his belief that Việt Nam would soon overcome temporary economic difficulties and fulfill its goals of curbing inflation, stabilizing marco-economy, ensuring social security and sustainable growth.

The leaders showed their pleasure at positive developments of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries over the past time, and agreed to outline a roadmap for comprehensive bilateral cooperation in the interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the world.

In this spirit, the two PMs discussed and agreed on directions and measures to boost up bilateral ties in various fields, including economics, trade, investment, development aid, education, tourism and culture. They also pledged to expand cooperation to new aspects, such as labor, construction, transport, national security and defense, information, agriculture, health, and science.

Australia said it would give greater ODA to Việt Nam and finance the building of the Cao Lãnh Bridge in Đồng Tháp Province, a project of socio-economic significance. Australia asserted to complete its own procedures soon to officially recognize Việt Nam’s market economic status. More scholarships will be offered to Vietnamese students at tertiary educational level.

PM Dũng thanked the Australian Government for assisting the Vietnamese community to reside, integrate into and contribute to the local society.

The host and the guest agreed to cement the collaboration at regional and international forums, such as ARF, EAS, APEC and the UN.

After the talks, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng and PM Kevin Rudd witnessed the signing of the «Transfer of Convicts» Agreement and the granting of license to ANZ bank to open its whole invested branch in Việt Nam. They also co-chaired a press briefing to inform results of their talks.

By Xuân Hồng