President Vo Van Thuong hosts a reception for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Photo: VGP)

Mr. Albanese said Vietnam is always one of Australia's top priority partners in the region. He reaffirmed Australia's stance of respecting the rule of law in the region and settling disputes in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Both leaders agreed to further political trust between the two countries and said they consider this an important basis for lifting bilateral relations to new heights.

They also agreed to continue to support each other and cooperate closely at regional and global forums, especially the United Nations.