Both sides agreed to continue maintaining close consultation and trust between the two foreign ministries, coordinating closely in preparing for high-level visits to mark the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2018, aiming to soon lift up the two countries’ relationship to a strategic partnership. Bishop affirmed that Vietnam plays an important part in Australia’s foreign policies, adding that her country hopes to foster the practical, effective and in-depth partnership with Vietnam in all fields. On the occasion, Minh and Bishop attended the signing ceremony of an agreement implementing a 37 million AUD project to promote gender equality in Lao Cai and Son La provinces using non-refundable ODA from Australia, aiming to assist local women in agricultural production and tourism development.