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Vietnam needs to build its own defense capability: former acting US defense secretary

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On the sidelines of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2022 held in Hanoi on December 8 – 10, former acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller had an interview with Tuoi Tre News to discuss national security and defense technology issues of the Southeast Asian country.

In your opinion, how can developing countries, such as Vietnam, ensure national security without spending too much money on weapons procurement and development?

That is a wonderful question. And what has set Vietnam apart from the rest of the world is the spirit in the heart of the people and its military. It’s not technology that matters, it’s how you use it. I think Vietnam has shown for 1,000 years that it’s able to adapt and use technology, but not become a prisoner or devoted to technology. Because Vietnam understands that they are only tools in the heart and the brain fight. 

There is a fact, a fact that worries me a bit, that now many people only focus on the smartphone screen to analyze what technology the weapon carries but forget about how to use them and how reliable they are. When things are chaotic, when things start breaking, you want to have very rough, durable things that you can rely on.

So, in the current world context, do you think military or diplomacy is more important in preventing chaotic situations from happening, such as armed conflict?

Diplomacy should always be the preferred solution to working out differences and conflict instead of fighting. Both Vietnam and the U.S. understand better than anyone what the consequences of war are. We have gone through the war together, have experienced the loss and we understand the importance of dialogue to build trust and resolve differences.

Attack and training variants of the T-6 aircraft. Photo: Textron
Attack and training variants of the T-6 aircraft. Photo: Textron

I had just bought the English version of “The Sorrow of War” in Hanoi before I met you. This is the best war novel I’ve ever read and it’s like coming out of the war.

War causes many tragedies. But that does not mean that we avoid building a strong army. Having a strong army is a way to deter foreign forces from aggression and provocation or doing anything harmful to the country. When we are strong, no one will dare to attack or bully you into accepting tyrants.

How do you evaluate the current defense capacity of Vietnam? Is it strong enough to deal with new challenges in the region and the world?

Vietnam now resembles Israel in the 1970s. The Jewish country then just won after some wars to protect its independence, with the help of weapons and equipment from other countries. After those wars, the Israelis realized that they needed to develop their own military industry and capability to strengthen their internal forces. And they did it in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The first products of the Israeli defense industry served only their own needs. But now, Israel has produced a series of high-class military equipment and exported it around the world.

Personally, I think Vietnam today is very similar to Israel in that it is willing to produce more domestic weapons to strengthen its defense capacity. The Vietnamese are hardworking, smart and have learned many lessons from history, that they must be self-sufficient to protect the country from foreign invaders. Vietnam is facing a perfect time to promote the domestic defense industry. My prediction is that, in a few years, Vietnam will be able to export defense products to the rest of the world.

Where will America be in that process?

That’s why I came here to learn more about everything that’s going on in Vietnam, to find ways to have a closer partnership between our governments and our industries and our companies. I think they’re enormous. What I’ve learned from being here is that there’s enormous opportunity and potential. I think we’re at the very beginning of the recognition that we all must work together more.

That requires not only time but also mutual trust and more dialogue. The world is increasingly complex, and Vietnam understands that stronger than any other countries in the region because it is so close to so many different challenges. Countries are in what I call a “transition” process in terms of how they see the world.

The U.S. and Vietnam both have a strong sense that sovereignty is very important. Defense and strength are important. Diplomacy, information economics are important, too. I think as we go forward, and we work closer together, we can be much more effective. Once trust has been built, technology transfer and partnership become a lot easier. 

In 2016, during a visit to Vietnam, President Barack Obama announced a decision to lift the ban on exporting lethal weapons to Vietnam. How has it been since then?

I think it’s going all right, not great but not bad. It’s right in the middle right now. The relationship between the two sides is now like an open book. That means what happens in the future will be written by us today.

The light combat variant of T-6. Photo: Textron
The light combat variant of T-6. Photo: Textron

Personally, I think there will be no limit to the U.S. providing or sharing something but as I said above, the U.S. and Vietnam need to talk more. If you haven’t forgotten, in 1945, the first American military officers came to Vietnam to cooperate with Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh forces. They played a part in training and providing equipment for the Viet Minh, who later won the August uprising of the same year. If those Americans could see how Vietnam is developing today, they would be very proud of having played a small part in it. I think just like the sky, there will be no limit to how far America and Vietnam can go. The U.S. is interested and wants to go further in relations with Vietnam.

The most important thing is still what capabilities Vietnam wants to have, what equipment is needed for its strategy and plans in the future, not just buying a bunch of equipment. That question needs to be part of an overarching strategy, which is I think, as we continue to learn and talk, we’ll be able to understand better. 

The U.S. has confirmed that it will provide 12 T-6 aircraft to Vietnam. Does that open the door to further equipment provision from the U.S.? 

Now I have no information on the possibility of delivering anything more than the T-6 in the future. With the Textron-built T-6, it’s a durable, reliable aircraft that’s ideal for a variety of missions. It has variants that can carry enormous amounts of weaponry, and sensors for reconnaissance and surveillance and intelligence collection. The aircraft can go over the sea, it can fly anywhere it needs to. Textron does not pay me to say these things and I do not represent them. My observations are from what I experienced when I was in the army and special operations. I was very much involved in the United States military decision to buy the T-6 to provide support to our special operations forces.

T-6 is a good but reasonably priced plane and is exactly what Vietnam needs. I’m certain that someone else would be happy to sell Vietnam fighter jets for up to US$125 million each. However, that does not have the same capabilities as a plane like the Textron plane.

Given the fact that some countries are traditional weaponry suppliers of Vietnam, what are the pros and cons for Vietnam in buying equipment from the U.S.?

Personally, I think Vietnam should produce its own weapons and capabilities, so that you’re not relying on anyone. Because the way that you can provide the best security to your people is not relying on anyone else. I don’t think any country should tell another country what to do. So that’s a decision that Vietnam needs to make, how it wants to handle their foreign policy and their relations. I think there are examples in Asian countries that are experiencing the same threatening behavior by other hostile or potentially hostile elements. 

I don’t want to tell Vietnam what to do. But the one thing about Vietnam is that it wants to protect its people and its interests. Vietnam knows what the right answer is, and I just want to highlight that the US is eager to support in any way that Vietnam wants.

Thank you for the discussion!

The T-6 is a propeller plane that was first introduced in 2000. This aircraft is used for primary and intermediate training purposes in the U.S. Air Force. It has many versions, of which the T-6A Texan II is used for training purposes.

Some export versions have armament attachment points on the wings that allow the T-6 to act as a light attack. Currently, more than a dozen countries are using T-6 aircraft, most of which are T-6A versions.

The U.S. confirmed that it is assisting Vietnam in modernizing its military pilot training program and training technicians for maintenance tasks.

In 2019, Lieutenant Dang Duc Toai was the first Vietnamese pilot to graduate from a training course on a T-6 aircraft within the framework of the U.S. Air Force’s Aviation Leadership Program.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre News about the pilot training program and supplying T-6 aircraft to Vietnam on December 13, an officer representing the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific said the U.S. intends to pay for all 12 T-6 trainer aircraft.

The total cost of this program is over $250 million. This includes the costs of the initial pilot training and maintenance support.

The U.S. government is providing this program to Vietnam with 100 percent grant aid funding, meaning Vietnam does not have the obligation to repay. 

The number of pilots will be sufficient for operating the 12 aircraft. The pilot training is ongoing and follows an identical rigorous training pipeline as a U.S. military pilot would.

Once complete, these pilots can safely operate these advanced aircraft and instruct new pilots to do the same.

“Our top priority is to enhance Vietnam’s capability and to nurture a partnership with common interests”, the officer said.

Christopher Miller served as the Acting Secretary of Defense, from November 9, 2020 to January 20, 2021.

Earlier in 2020, he was the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict.

He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism (SOCT).

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

On the sidelines of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2022 held in Hanoi on December 8 – 10, former acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller had an interview with Tuoi Tre News to discuss national security and defense technology issues of the Southeast Asian country.

In your opinion, how can developing countries, such as Vietnam, ensure national security without spending too much money on weapons procurement and development?

That is a wonderful question. And what has set Vietnam apart from the rest of the world is the spirit in the heart of the people and its military. It’s not technology that matters, it’s how you use it. I think Vietnam has shown for 1,000 years that it’s able to adapt and use technology, but not become a prisoner or devoted to technology. Because Vietnam understands that they are only tools in the heart and the brain fight. 

There is a fact, a fact that worries me a bit, that now many people only focus on the smartphone screen to analyze what technology the weapon carries but forget about how to use them and how reliable they are. When things are chaotic, when things start breaking, you want to have very rough, durable things that you can rely on.

So, in the current world context, do you think military or diplomacy is more important in preventing chaotic situations from happening, such as armed conflict?

Diplomacy should always be the preferred solution to working out differences and conflict instead of fighting. Both Vietnam and the U.S. understand better than anyone what the consequences of war are. We have gone through the war together, have experienced the loss and we understand the importance of dialogue to build trust and resolve differences.

Attack and training variants of the T-6 aircraft. Photo: Textron
Attack and training variants of the T-6 aircraft. Photo: Textron

I had just bought the English version of “The Sorrow of War” in Hanoi before I met you. This is the best war novel I’ve ever read and it’s like coming out of the war.

War causes many tragedies. But that does not mean that we avoid building a strong army. Having a strong army is a way to deter foreign forces from aggression and provocation or doing anything harmful to the country. When we are strong, no one will dare to attack or bully you into accepting tyrants.

How do you evaluate the current defense capacity of Vietnam? Is it strong enough to deal with new challenges in the region and the world?

Vietnam now resembles Israel in the 1970s. The Jewish country then just won after some wars to protect its independence, with the help of weapons and equipment from other countries. After those wars, the Israelis realized that they needed to develop their own military industry and capability to strengthen their internal forces. And they did it in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The first products of the Israeli defense industry served only their own needs. But now, Israel has produced a series of high-class military equipment and exported it around the world.

Personally, I think Vietnam today is very similar to Israel in that it is willing to produce more domestic weapons to strengthen its defense capacity. The Vietnamese are hardworking, smart and have learned many lessons from history, that they must be self-sufficient to protect the country from foreign invaders. Vietnam is facing a perfect time to promote the domestic defense industry. My prediction is that, in a few years, Vietnam will be able to export defense products to the rest of the world.

Where will America be in that process?

That’s why I came here to learn more about everything that’s going on in Vietnam, to find ways to have a closer partnership between our governments and our industries and our companies. I think they’re enormous. What I’ve learned from being here is that there’s enormous opportunity and potential. I think we’re at the very beginning of the recognition that we all must work together more.

That requires not only time but also mutual trust and more dialogue. The world is increasingly complex, and Vietnam understands that stronger than any other countries in the region because it is so close to so many different challenges. Countries are in what I call a “transition” process in terms of how they see the world.

The U.S. and Vietnam both have a strong sense that sovereignty is very important. Defense and strength are important. Diplomacy, information economics are important, too. I think as we go forward, and we work closer together, we can be much more effective. Once trust has been built, technology transfer and partnership become a lot easier. 

In 2016, during a visit to Vietnam, President Barack Obama announced a decision to lift the ban on exporting lethal weapons to Vietnam. How has it been since then?

I think it’s going all right, not great but not bad. It’s right in the middle right now. The relationship between the two sides is now like an open book. That means what happens in the future will be written by us today.

The light combat variant of T-6. Photo: Textron
The light combat variant of T-6. Photo: Textron

Personally, I think there will be no limit to the U.S. providing or sharing something but as I said above, the U.S. and Vietnam need to talk more. If you haven’t forgotten, in 1945, the first American military officers came to Vietnam to cooperate with Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh forces. They played a part in training and providing equipment for the Viet Minh, who later won the August uprising of the same year. If those Americans could see how Vietnam is developing today, they would be very proud of having played a small part in it. I think just like the sky, there will be no limit to how far America and Vietnam can go. The U.S. is interested and wants to go further in relations with Vietnam.

The most important thing is still what capabilities Vietnam wants to have, what equipment is needed for its strategy and plans in the future, not just buying a bunch of equipment. That question needs to be part of an overarching strategy, which is I think, as we continue to learn and talk, we’ll be able to understand better. 

The U.S. has confirmed that it will provide 12 T-6 aircraft to Vietnam. Does that open the door to further equipment provision from the U.S.? 

Now I have no information on the possibility of delivering anything more than the T-6 in the future. With the Textron-built T-6, it’s a durable, reliable aircraft that’s ideal for a variety of missions. It has variants that can carry enormous amounts of weaponry, and sensors for reconnaissance and surveillance and intelligence collection. The aircraft can go over the sea, it can fly anywhere it needs to. Textron does not pay me to say these things and I do not represent them. My observations are from what I experienced when I was in the army and special operations. I was very much involved in the United States military decision to buy the T-6 to provide support to our special operations forces.

T-6 is a good but reasonably priced plane and is exactly what Vietnam needs. I’m certain that someone else would be happy to sell Vietnam fighter jets for up to US$125 million each. However, that does not have the same capabilities as a plane like the Textron plane.

Given the fact that some countries are traditional weaponry suppliers of Vietnam, what are the pros and cons for Vietnam in buying equipment from the U.S.?

Personally, I think Vietnam should produce its own weapons and capabilities, so that you’re not relying on anyone. Because the way that you can provide the best security to your people is not relying on anyone else. I don’t think any country should tell another country what to do. So that’s a decision that Vietnam needs to make, how it wants to handle their foreign policy and their relations. I think there are examples in Asian countries that are experiencing the same threatening behavior by other hostile or potentially hostile elements. 

I don’t want to tell Vietnam what to do. But the one thing about Vietnam is that it wants to protect its people and its interests. Vietnam knows what the right answer is, and I just want to highlight that the US is eager to support in any way that Vietnam wants.

Thank you for the discussion!

The T-6 is a propeller plane that was first introduced in 2000. This aircraft is used for primary and intermediate training purposes in the U.S. Air Force. It has many versions, of which the T-6A Texan II is used for training purposes.

Some export versions have armament attachment points on the wings that allow the T-6 to act as a light attack. Currently, more than a dozen countries are using T-6 aircraft, most of which are T-6A versions.

The U.S. confirmed that it is assisting Vietnam in modernizing its military pilot training program and training technicians for maintenance tasks.

In 2019, Lieutenant Dang Duc Toai was the first Vietnamese pilot to graduate from a training course on a T-6 aircraft within the framework of the U.S. Air Force’s Aviation Leadership Program.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre News about the pilot training program and supplying T-6 aircraft to Vietnam on December 13, an officer representing the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific said the U.S. intends to pay for all 12 T-6 trainer aircraft.

The total cost of this program is over $250 million. This includes the costs of the initial pilot training and maintenance support.

The U.S. government is providing this program to Vietnam with 100 percent grant aid funding, meaning Vietnam does not have the obligation to repay. 

The number of pilots will be sufficient for operating the 12 aircraft. The pilot training is ongoing and follows an identical rigorous training pipeline as a U.S. military pilot would.

Once complete, these pilots can safely operate these advanced aircraft and instruct new pilots to do the same.

“Our top priority is to enhance Vietnam’s capability and to nurture a partnership with common interests”, the officer said.

Christopher Miller served as the Acting Secretary of Defense, from November 9, 2020 to January 20, 2021.

Earlier in 2020, he was the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict.

He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism (SOCT).

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20221218/vietnam-needs-to-build-its-own-defense-capability-former-acting-us-defense-secretary/70507.html

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Australia pledges over $69mn in aid to Vietnam

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Australia will provide an aid package worth AU$105 million (US$69.4 million) for Vietnam to develop sustainable infrastructure, and speed up energy transition, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made this announcement at a talk with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Sunday.

Besides, the aid is also aimed at helping the Southeast Asian nation develop the mining industry.

Vietnam and Australia are striving to achieve $20 billion in bilateral trade in the coming time, the Vietnamese prime minister said at the talk, as part of the top Australian official’s visit to Vietnam.

Two-way trade totaled some $16 billion in 2022, up some 30 percent against 2021.

The two nations will shore up their connectivity of transport and the partnership in the financial, banking, and e-commerce fields.

Australia is also committed to creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese farm produce to enter its market.

The two nations will enhance the educational cooperation to strengthen highly-skilled workforces.

Over 300,000 Vietnamese citizens are living, working, and studying in Australia, said Australian PM Albanese.

RMIT University announced a new strategic investment fund to expand its operation in Ho Chi Minh City, witnessed by the Australian prime minister during his visit to the campus in Hanoi on Saturday.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinh (R) shakes hands with his Australian counterpart Albanese before talks on June 4, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinh (R) shakes hands with his Australian counterpart Albanese before their talks on June 4, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Besides, the Australian official said that Western Sydney University would grant 60 scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Vietnam and Australia are eyeing tourism cooperation. Vietnam has two airlines that are operating direct air routes to Australia, with Vietjet’s air service linking Brisbane City, which will host the 2032 Summer Olympics.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Prime Minister Chinh said that Vietnam and Australia would deepen their partnership in climate change response, digitalization, green transition, and circular economic development.

“We are pleased to announce the extension of the Aus4Innovation development assistance program. Accordingly, Australian agencies will collaborate with Vietnamese ones to advance research activities,” said Albanese.

Apart from these support programs and cooperative agreements, the two leaders put forward some solutions to upgrade the bilateral relations as soon as possible, heard a press conference.

After the two leaders’ talks, they witnessed the exchange of four cooperation instruments in the science-technology, financial, education, and trade fields.

Among them was the memorandum of understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the establishment of a trade dialogue at the ministerial level.

Vietnamese low-cost airline Vietjet received a certificate for the Ho Chi Minh City – Brisbane air route, witnessed by the two top officials, while Vietnam’s national flag carrier announced its plan to open the Hanoi – Melbourne route at the event. 

Australian Prime Minister Albanese arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Saturday for his two-day Vietnam visit.

The prime ministers of Vietnam and Australia witness a representative of Vietjet receiving a certificate for the launch of a nonstop air route between Vietnam and Australia. Photo: Nhat Bac / Tuoi Tre

The prime ministers of Vietnam (R, back row) and Australia (L, back row) witness a representative of Vietjet receiving a certificate for the launch of a nonstop air route between Vietnam and Australia, June 4, 2023. Photo: Nhat Bac / Tuoi Tre

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20230604/australia-pledges-over-69mn-in-aid-to-vietnam/73579.html

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Vietnamese prime minister chairs welcome ceremony for Australian counterpart

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony for Australian Prime Minister Anthoney Albanese at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Sunday morning.

This is the third time the two leaders have met each other.

The two had a meeting at an expanded summit of the Group of Seven in Japan two weeks ago.

This is PM Albanese’s first official visit to Vietnam since he took office in May last year.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh greets his Australian counterpart Anthony Alabanese. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh greets his Australian counterpart Anthony Alabanese. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam and Australia have maintained over 20 bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including some important agreements on prime ministers’ annual meeting and high-ranking delegation exchange. A photo shows children waving flags during the welcome ceremony for Australian PM Albanese. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnam and Australia have maintained over 20 bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including some important agreements on prime ministers’ annual meeting and high-ranking delegation exchange. A photo shows children waving flags during the welcome ceremony for Australian PM Albanese in Hanoi, June 4, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

His trip, made only two months after a state visit by Australian Governor-General David Hurley, is aimed at marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia.

During a talk between Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and Australian Governor-General Hurley, as part of the latter’s official Vietnam visit in April, the two reached a consensus on upgrading the two-way relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the right time.

The Vietnam – Australia partnership focuses on three key pillars, including economic cooperation; knowledge, education and innovation; and national defense cooperation, according to Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.

Goledzinowski expects the two countries to upgrade their ties, and make energy transition and climate change response the fourth key pillar of the two-way relationship in the coming time.

Prime Minister Chinh and Australian PM Albanese attend the welcome ceremony for the latter on June 4, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Prime Minister Chinh and Australian PM Albanese attend the welcome ceremony for the latter on June 4, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic ties in 1973. The two-way relations have thrived over the past 50 years. A photo shows the two prime ministers watching photos at a photo exhibition highlighting diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Australia. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic ties in 1973. The two-way relations have thrived over the past 50 years. A photo shows the two prime ministers watching photos at a photo exhibition highlighting diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Australia. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Australian Prime Minister Albanese arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon, starting his two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

After his arrival, he visited RMIT University, a symbol of the two nations’ educational cooperation.

The leader of the university announced the next stage of the ‘RMIT’s commitment to Vietnam’ program, which features a strategic investment fund worth VND3.8 trillion (US$161.8 million), witnessed by the Australian prime minister.

The Australian prime minister also met some Vietnamese and Australian firms, feeling a glow of pride as Australia is Vietnam’s companion on the journey toward a major economy.

After the welcome ceremony, the top officials walk to the headquarters of the Government Office in Hanoi for talks. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi tre

After the welcome ceremony, the top officials walk to the headquarters of the Government Office in Hanoi for talks. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Australia is one of Vietnam’s largest non-refundable development assistance suppliers. Vietnam received an average AU$92.7 million in aid per year from Australia between 2013 and 2019, and AU$78.9 a year during the 2020-22 period. A photo shows the Vietnamese prime minister holding talks with his Australian counterpart. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Australia is one of Vietnam’s largest non-refundable development assistance suppliers. Vietnam received an average AU$92.7 million (US$61.3 million) in aid per year from Australia between 2013 and 2019, and AU$78.9 million ($52.2 million) a year during the 2020-22 period. A photo shows the Vietnamese prime minister holding talks with his Australian counterpart. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

As of April 2023, Australia had got involved in 596 projects in Vietnam, ranking it the 26th among 143 nations and territories investing in the latter. Such projects focus on processing, production, lodging services, healthcare, agriculture and social activities. A photo shows Prime Minister Chinh and Australian Prime Minister Albanese waving at reporters before a meeting. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

As of April 2023, Australia had got involved in 596 projects in Vietnam, ranking it the 26th among 143 nations and territories investing in the latter. Such projects focus on processing, production, lodging services, healthcare, agriculture, and social activities. A photo shows Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Australian Prime Minister Albanese waving at reporters before a meeting. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh told the Vietnam News Agency that Australian PM Albanese has a deep love for Vietnam. In 1987, when he was a young official, he accompanied a high-ranking delegation of the Australian government during a visit to Vietnam.

As such, when making a comeback to the Southeast Asian nation, Albanese spent some time visiting an eatery in Hanoi to enjoy his lunch.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese visits Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay his tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Australian Prime Minister Albanese visits Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay his tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20230604/vietnamese-prime-minister-chairs-welcome-ceremony-for-australian-counterpart/73571.html

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Australian PM tries Hanoi draft beer during visit to Vietnam

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent time visiting a local beer spot in Hanoi to enjoy bia hoi (light Vietnamese draft beer) after he arrived in the Vietnamese capital city on Saturday afternoon.

PM Albanese joined a crowd at a draft beer spot on Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District to drink ice-cold draft beer and have lunch there.

The Australian leader sat at the same table as that of Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh and Director of the State Protocol Department Nguyen Viet Dung.

Before visiting the draft beer spot, PM Albanese bought a loaf of banh mi, a Vietnamese baguette served with different fillings, for lunch
Before visiting the draft beer spot, PM Albanese bought a loaf of banh mi, a Vietnamese baguette served with different fillings, for lunch.
A staff member of a banh mi stall gives banh mi to PM Albanese
A staff member of a banh mi stall gives banh mi to PM Albanese.
A representative of the Vietnam-based brewer Habeco briefs PM Albanese on the history and development of Hanoi draft beer
A representative of the Vietnam-based brewer Habeco briefs PM Albanese on the history and development of Hanoi draft beer.
PM Albanese jointly says “Mot, hai, ba, Do!” (one, two, three, Cheers!) and chats with people drinking beer in the shop
PM Albanese jointly says “Mot, hai, ba, do!” (one, two, three, Cheers!) and chats with people drinking beer in the shop.
The head of the Australian government enjoys local delicacies served with draft beer
The head of the Australian government enjoys local delicacies served with draft beer.
The Australian government leader shows his interest in the beer drinking culture of Hanoi
The Australian government leader shows his interest in the beer drinking culture of Hanoi.
PM Albanese eats Hanoi-style banh mi, saying it tasted so good
PM Albanese eats Hanoi-style banh mi, saying it tasted so good.
PM Albanese says “Mot, hai, ba, Do!” with some people sharing the same table with him
PM Albanese says “Mot, hai, ba, do!” with some people sharing the same table with him.
Vietnam is the second destination of PM Albanese’s Southeast Asia trip. Earlier, he visited Singapore where he delivered an important speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2023, which is scheduled to take place from Friday to Sunday
Vietnam is the second destination of PM Albanese’s Southeast Asia trip. Earlier, he visited Singapore where he delivered an important speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2023, which is scheduled to take place from Friday to Sunday.
PM Albanese shakes hands with the owner of a draft beer spot on Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, June 3, 2023
PM Albanese shakes hands with the owner of a draft beer spot on Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, June 3, 2023.
PM Albanese takes a wefie with two Vietnamese who helped him know more about Hanoian cuisine
PM Albanese takes a wefie with two Vietnamese who helped him know more about Hanoian cuisine.

Sam Tran, a Vietnamese chef who lived in Australia, accompanied PM Albanese during a visit to the local draft beer spot.

She said the Australian leader did not book a private room but opted to enjoy draft beer like others normally do.

He sat at a table which is a large piece of plastic being placed above Hanoi draft beer barrels.

The top Australian official also showed his great chopstick skills when enjoying local food and ice-cold draft beer.

PM Albanese is a social person. He really enjoyed local food specialties. He also drank three glasses of draft beer in the afternoon, Sam Tran told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

PM Albanese arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon, beginning a two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

This is PM Albanese’s first official visit to Vietnam since he took office in May last year and only two months after a State-level visit by Australian Governor-General David Hurley, showing that Australia attaches great importance to its relations with Vietnam.

PM Albanese and his entourage were welcomed at the airport by Minister – Chairman of the Vietnamese Government Office Tran Van Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, and other diplomatic officials.

On Sunday, the Australian leader and his entourage are scheduled to lay wreaths in tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi.

He will also hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and meet with the press; meet with General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

The two PMs will jointly visit and meet with the women’s football teams of Australia and Vietnam.

Australia is one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973.

The visit by PM Albanese takes place at a time when Vietnam and Australia celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski at a press briefing on June 2, 2023. Photo: Tien Dat / Tuoi Tre
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski at a press briefing on June 2, 2023. Photo: Tien Dat / Tuoi Tre

Prior to the visit, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski told the press on Friday that the two nations are strategic partners in three pillars, including economic cooperation covering trade and investment; knowledge, innovation and education; and national defense cooperation.

The ambassador hoped that the two countries would upgrade their relationship to the next level and add the fourth pillar to their relationship.

The fourth pillar could be energy transition and climate change adaptation cooperation.

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20230603/australian-pm-tries-hanoi-draft-beer-during-visit-to-vietnam/73564.html

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