Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Australia and Vietnam agreed to broaden cooperation in defense, security, trade and clean energy as their leaders met in Canberra on Tuesday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese President To Lam reaffirmed their comprehensive strategic partnership and backed an Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty is respected and countries are free from coercion.
The leaders raised concerns over developments in the South China Sea, emphasizing freedom of navigation and overflight as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On security, Australia and Vietnam agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security, military training, peacekeeping, search and rescue operations, information sharing and counterterrorism under an updated vision for defense ties.
The two countries also sought closer coordination against cybercrime, online scams, illegal drugs, human trafficking and terrorism financing.
Albanese and Lam agreed to pursue stronger trade and investment while improving supply-chain resilience and cooperation involving critical minerals. They also welcomed agreements covering agriculture, aviation, vocational education, health, science and technology.
Climate and energy formed another part of the talks, with both governments committing to accelerate renewable energy development while maintaining their respective goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The leaders also addressed the crisis in Myanmar, calling for an immediate end to violence, unrestricted humanitarian assistance and inclusive dialogue. They reiterated their support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.