Both Mr Khiem and Mr Smith expressed their pleasure at the recent positive developments in relations between Vietnam and Australia, especially in economics, education and development cooperation, as well as in the exchange of bilateral visits at all levels.

Mr Smith thanked Vietnam for supporting Australia’s bid to join the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

In another meeting, Mr Khiem and Mr Obhrai discussed specific measures to promote all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Canada, mainly in economics, trade and investment.

Mr Khiem proposed that the Canadian government consider providing additional official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam and recognising the country’s market economy status.

Mr Smith and Mr Obhrai expressed their belief that Vietnam will successfully perform its role as ASEAN’s Chairman in 2010.

On July 23, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton met with Foreign Ministers from the four Mekong basin countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to discuss issues related to water resources, health care and the environment.