This is significant as 2018 marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“In declaring a Strategic Partnership, Viet Nam and Australia pledge their commitment to deepening ties based on respect for the United Nations Charter, international law and each other’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and respective political systems”, their Joint Statement said.
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Both sides also pledged to enhance mutual trust and understanding to strengthen the bilateral relationship and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Diplomats believe that the signing marks a new milestone in Vietnam-Australia ties. “It codifies and takes further what has been a close friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It also reflects that Vietnam and Australia are strong and committed partners to each other. More importantly, it will be a blueprint and an outline for our partnership in the years to come”, said Ngo Huong Nam, Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia.
Established in 1973, the ties between Vietnam and Australia have witnessed significant developments, especially since the two countries exalted their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and signed a declaration on enhancing the Australia-Vietnam comprehensive partnership in 2015.
Two-way trade has increased more than two-hundred-fold over two decades, from US$32.3 million in 1990 to US$6.46 billion in 2017. Both countries are involved in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) signed last week.
