Vietnam and Australia have signed a new action program to implement their comprehensive strategic partnership from 2024 to 2027, the Government News reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong signed the document during the 6th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Adelaide (Australia) on October 18.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations and highlighted the significance of elevating their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries pledged to work together to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion and double two-way investment, as outlined in the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES).

Vietnam welcomed Australia's efforts to accelerate the implementation of its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 in Vietnam, while Australia affirmed Vietnam's importance as a regional partner.

Regarding cooperation between the two foreign ministries, both sides agreed to promote existing cooperation mechanisms and enhance the exchange of strategic information.

They also pledged to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and ASEAN.

Australia reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN centrality and sustainable development in the Mekong subregion through the Mekong-Australia Partnership framework.

On the East Sea issue, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.