Celebrating 40 years of Australia – Vietnam diplomatic relations
Australian Ambassador Hugh Borrowman today launched Australia’s program to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.
“I am excited to launch this program to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Australian and Vietnam. We hope this program will further enhance links and create a platform for further exchanges between the two countries,” said Ambassador Borrowman, Australia’s 16th Ambassador to Vietnam.
The program of cultural and educational events, ranging from dance, music and visual arts to food, science and sport will showcase Australia as a creative and innovative partner and an inclusive multicultural society that values the traditions, cultures and contributions of people from all backgrounds.
The program will begin this week with a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading Indigenous dance theatre group at the Hanoi Opera House on 2 March. The 22 member group, the largest-ever group of Australian artists to visit Vietnam, will also perform in Ho Chi Minh City on 6 March and participate in workshops with Vietnamese dancers and under - privileged youth.
Other program highlights include an interactive science and education exhibition from Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre – Questacon – showcasing Australia’s advanced and creative science education; performances by award winning jazz trio Elixir; the Indigenous visual arts exhibition, Message Stick: Indigenous Identity in Urban Australia and a week-long cooking competition for children in Ho Chi Minh City led by an Australian Vietnamese chef. The program is supported by Australia International Cultural Council (AICC), an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Vietnam is AICC’s focus country for 2013.
The relationship has come a long way since Australia and the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on 26 February 1973 and now spans a wide range of cooperation, including political exchange, trade, investment, aid, education and defence. In 2009, the leaders of Australia and Vietnam signed the Comprehensive Partnership, paving the way for deeper and more diversified relations. Vietnam now is one of Australia’s most important partners in Asia.
“Over the past 40 years, the bilateral relations have continued to grow and mature. This year is a major milestone and I hope that it will also be a point of departure for a new chapter in the partnership between Australia and Vietnam”.
For further updates on the Embassy’s 40th anniversary celebrations, please visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AustralianEmbassyVietnam or contact Ms Vu Binh Chau, Media Officer, Australian Embassy in Hanoi (phone: 04 3774 0216, mobile: 0166 561 0149, email: [email protected]).