In the morning of 8 June 2022, The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) signed a Cooperation Agreement at the HCMA to implement the Project: “Establishment and Capacity Building for the Vietnam Australia Centre” (VAC), in Hanoi.
Attendees at the ceremony
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; Ms. Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam; Leaders of the Party External Relations Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government Office, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA); Officials from the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and HCMA attended the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council said that the establishment of the Vietnam-Australia Center built on the agreement between the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Australia in August 2019, on strengthening the capacity of Vietnam’s leadership and management staff to respond to the development and integration into the world. This cooperation also promotes a sustainable relationship between Vietnam and Australia in the new context.
Prof Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang giving remarks at the ceremony.
The Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council emphasised that the signing of this project serves as an important ground for the Vietnam – Australia relations to enter a new phase with more comprehensive and extensive developments. Through engaging scholars and scientists from different countries, this project will not only contribute to promoting bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Australia, but also to expanding multilateral cooperation, consolidating peace, stability and prosperity in the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, said that Australia is delighted to be able to support Vietnam in its efforts to become a developed and high-income country by 2045. She affirmed that the establishment of a vibrant and dynamic centre to promote knowledge sharing and innovative cooperation between Vietnam and Australia is an important initiative to this commitment. The Center is a symbol of trust between the two nations and is the centrepiece of Australia’s development partnership with Vietnam.
Prof Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang and delegates witnessing the signing of the agreement.
Following the signing ceremony, the Steering Committee of the “Establishment and Capacity Building for the Vietnam Australia Centre” project held its first meeting, which was co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council and Ms. Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.
The Vietnam Australia Centre will be managed under a partnership between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, implemented through the Aus4Skills program.
The VAC is jointly operated by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Aus4Skills program.
Source: HCMA