ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Prime Minister, I am very pleased to be meeting you in-person after we had such a very warm conversation on the phone yesterday. It is good to be here in Cambodia where we are meeting world leaders and discussing ways to address the pressing global issues which we confront.
As we near 50 years of diplomatic relations next year, Australia and Vietnam enjoy an ever-stronger relationship – our economic ties are expanding, and we aim to become top-ten trading partners and double two-way investment over the coming years creating jobs and business opportunities for both countries. My Government is certainly ready to work with Vietnam to seize the opportunity as well that will occur throughout our region as we move to net zero to deal with the challenge of climate change.
I have had the great honour of visiting your country for the first time in 1987 and since on three occasions.
We will seek as well greater trilateral cooperation with Laos and I do want to thank Vietnam for your advocacy for Professor Sean Turnell who has been contained in Myanmar. I have written as well requesting leniency for Australian citizen Chau Van Kham and requested favourable consideration on that and other consular issues I have raised with you about Australians.
I thank you for your invitation to visit Vietnam next year and I look forward to meeting with you then.
Thank you.