In a bid to bolster ties, Vietnam and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have committed to enhancing cooperation between Hà Nội, Ho Chi Minh City, and Canberra. This decision follows discussions between Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Hùng Tâm and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Ambassador Tâm expressed optimism about Barr’s forthcoming visit to Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City, anticipating that it will pave the way for new collaborative ventures.
During the talks, Ambassador Tâm underscored the potential for partnerships in various sectors such as renewable energy, innovation, education, tourism, and the development of smart urban areas. He also put forward the idea of establishing a friendship and cooperation agreement between Hà Nội and the ACT, aimed at fostering long-term collaboration across multiple fields.
Andrew Barr, who is set to visit Vietnam for the first time, acknowledged the country’s significance as a priority economic partner for the ACT under its international engagement strategy. He responded positively to the proposal of forming a sister-city relationship with Hà Nội, emphasizing the opportunities for collaboration on initiatives like green transition, electric transport, and renewable energy, all of which align with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Moreover, the ACT Chief Minister expressed his readiness to engage in public diplomacy efforts during future visits by senior Vietnamese leaders to Australia. This commitment underlines the intention to deepen the relationship between the regions, focusing on mutual interests and shared sustainability goals.