Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese eats bread and drinks beer on the sidewalk during his visit to Vietnam in June 2023. Photo: VNA

Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy

According to former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, to Australians, the characteristics of Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy, a solid foundation of ideals and the ability to adapt to the world as it is, are familiar.

Australia's foreign policy is similar in purpose, principle and pragmatism. That is why the Australian Government considers strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asia a top priority.

Australia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN is central to the Australian Government's efforts to work with partners, to realize self-determination and maintain a balance that benefits all.

Cosgrove expressed confidence that the strong strategic trust between Australia and Vietnam is based on this common view.

Referring to Vietnam's role in the region, former Governor-General Cosgrove stated that Australia values Vietnam's leading role in ASEAN.

This comes from Australia's confidence in Vietnam's foreign behavior, knowing how to cooperate with neighboring countries and close partners to form a stable region, and facilitate the prosperity and security.

Vietnam plays an important role in the Mekong sub-region. Vietnam's participation in organizations such as the Mekong River Commission ensures close coordination on transboundary water issues, climate change and food security.

Australia also supports and appreciates Vietnam's contributions in the South China Sea, especially promoting the role of international law through the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a position that Australia shares.

Former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove said that Australia and Vietnam will need to jointly shape the rules and standards that underlie the security and prosperity of the two countries, ensuring access in an open and inclusive area, and managing competition responsibly.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Vietnam. Photo: WVR

Australia's long-term friend

As the region becomes more competitive, the partnership between Australia and Vietnam becomes increasingly important, he said.

The two countries share a commitment to a region that operates by rules, standards and principles, where larger countries cannot decide the fate of smaller countries, and where each country can pursue its own aspirations and prosperity.

The announcement of the two countries' mutual intention to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects a high level of trust and strategic ambition in the relationship.

Peter Cosgrove affirmed that Vietnam is a long-term partner and friend of Australia. That is even more important when in 2023, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Vietnam proved that the relationship between the two countries has developed.

Australia and Vietnam have vibrant trade, investment, education and defense ties. Vietnam's impressive economic growth is closely followed by Australian companies.

The strategy to strengthen economic cooperation between Australia and Vietnam put the two countries on a roadmap to expand connectivity and cooperation to cover digital transformation and the digital economy.

Peter Cosgrove noted that Australia is a consistent and reliable partner in Vietnam's development, having provided more than AUD3 billion (nearly US$2 billion) in official development aid to Vietnam.

Over the years, Australia adapted its approach to meet the rapidly growing needs of Vietnam. Australia helped Vietnam build a north-south electrical connection, the first satellite line for phone calls, and the first undersea fiber optic cable.

These links also grow as cooperation between Australia and Vietnam expands into the areas of climate change, energy and the environment. This is supported by Prime Minister Albanese's commitment to spend AUD105 million (US$69,9 million) to support Vietnam's sustainable economic growth and energy transition.

Bilateral cooperation is enriched by the close relationship between people, and the contributions of more than 300,000 Australians of Vietnamese origin to the communities of the two countries.

According to former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, the two countries have significant potential to take the bilateral trade and investment relationship further.

Australia's special envoy for Southeast Asia will set out the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. That strategy will build on these connections by identifying new opportunities to strengthen the two countries's shared economic future.

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