STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (14:00): It was my great pleasure this morning to welcome to parliament house His Excellency the General Secretary and President of Vietnam, Tô Lâm. General Secretary Lâm's visit is further affirmation of the strength of the bonds between our two nations. His Excellency will also meet with the Leader of the Opposition this afternoon, showing the bipartisanship that is in the relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
As one of the fastest growing economies in our region, Vietnam's success creates opportunities for both of our countries. Our trade relationship is stronger than ever, supporting jobs and businesses in both Australia and Vietnam. As part of His Excellency's visit to Australia, he will meet with the architects of the South East Asia economic strategy to 2040, including Nicholas Moore.
This is important. More than a document, this is a blueprint for Australia benefiting from jobs and increased trade in the fastest growing region of the world in human history, which is of course the Asian region to our north. We want to build on the success that has come from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Today we welcomed and signed agreements for stronger cooperation across defence, maritime and border security, the digital economy, agriculture, energy, minerals, and science and innovation. Australia and Vietnam are trusted strategic partners, and the relationship between us will be further enhanced by increased exchanges both at senior levels between people in business and politics but importantly from general members of the population as well.
The fact that Vietjet have chosen the president's visit to announce that it is now the third international airline that will take off from Western Sydney Airport when it opens will provide real opportunities for increased exchanges. Above all, of course, we are close friends and will work together for a better future, including working in forums such as ASEAN and APEC in the coming months.