In a recent meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Hùng Tâm and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Chief Minister Andrew Barr have committed to enhancing cooperation between Hà Nội, Ho Chi Minh City, and Canberra. This decision was made during discussions focused on strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Ambassador Tâm expressed enthusiasm for Barr’s upcoming visit to Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City, seeing it as a catalyst for opening new opportunities.
The ambassador highlighted several sectors ripe for potential partnerships, including renewable energy, innovation, education, tourism, and the development of smart urban areas. As part of this initiative, Tâm proposed the creation of a friendship and cooperation agreement between Hà Nội and the ACT, aiming to support long-term collaboration across multiple sectors. This proposal is seen as a strategic move to cement relationships and encourage ongoing engagement.
Chief Minister Barr, who is preparing for his first visit to Việt Nam, acknowledged the country’s status as a priority economic partner for the ACT under its international engagement strategy. He expressed a positive stance toward establishing a sister-city relationship with Hà Nội, emphasizing the shared opportunities in advancing green transition efforts, electric transport, and renewable energy projects. These initiatives are vital to both regions’ goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Further extending his support for bilateral engagement, Barr indicated his readiness to participate in public diplomacy activities during future visits by senior Vietnamese leaders to Australia. This gesture underscores the ACT’s commitment to fostering a robust partnership with Việt Nam, focusing on shared objectives and mutual benefits.