STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr TAYLOR (Hume—Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): On behalf of the coalition and the federal opposition, I warmly welcome His Excellency and the Vietnamese delegation to our parliament. This is a symbolic visit, but it's also a visit with practical outcomes. The coalition welcomes the deeper collaboration between Australia and Vietnam as a consequence of this historic visit.

I was proud to be part of the former coalition government that elevated our two nations' bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership in 2018 and in 2021 finalised an economic strategy to boost trade and investment between Australia and Vietnam. These inroads were the foundation for forging a stronger friendship between our two countries. In April last year in Ho Chi Minh City, His Excellency spoke profoundly about Vietnam being a nation that has endured profound suffering and loss from the ravages of war.

It is one that has reaped the great rewards of peace, cooperation and friendship over recent decades. He spoke about his hope of bequeathing to future generations a better world. He spoke about the values of peace, independence and freedom.

Australia shares these ambitions and values too, and I'm sure, like Australia, he was deeply concerned about China's recent test launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the Pacific. As he correctly acknowledged at the Shangri-La Dialogue, no country benefits when our region becomes a theatre for coercion, confrontation or displays of power. And so we welcome all nations of our region calling out and condemning acts of coercion and aggression whatever the source.

For countries like ours, enhancing our partnerships sends a strong message about the importance we place on sovereignty and collective security. Next week marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Can I also take this opportunity to acknowledge our two countries Vietnam veterans.

From the battlefield to bonds of friendship, Australia and Vietnam have come a long way over many decades. His Excellency and the delegation are most welcome guests in our country.