(VOVworld) - The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to mark the 227^th anniversary of Australia’s Independence Day (January 26, 1788) on Friday. Chairman of the association Luong Van Ly said that despite geographical distance and cultural and historical differences, Vietnam and Australia boast a close relationship based on mutual interest and respect, jointly developing in peace and prosperity. Since the two countries established bilateral diplomatic ties over four decades ago, with many historical ups and downs, the friendship between their people has been continuously consolidated and enhanced. With a comprehensive strategic partnership set up in September 2009, the relationship has developed widely and deeply in all realms, he noted. The Australian Consul General to HCM City John McAnulty said Vietnam is currently one of the top partners of Australia in the Asia-Pacific region and the two countries’ time honored trade cooperation would help consolidate bilateral ties in the future.