(VOVworld) – Australia is interested in Vietnam’s challenges and opportunities for development, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told newly-accredited Vietnamese Ambassador Luong Thanh Nghi on Thursday. Bishop spoke highly of the recent development of bilateral ties. She shared with Nghi Australia’s experience in trade and investment and promised Australia’s coordination with Vietnam in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and newly-accredited Vietnamese Ambassador Luong Thanh Nghi shake hands. (Photo: VNA)

Bishop showed her deep concern about recent tension in the East Sea escalated by China’s illegal placement of oil rig Haiyang-981 within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. She went on to say that Australia has legitimate interests in maintaining regional peace and stability, respecting international law, and ensuring free trade and navigation. Bishop urged all sides to settle disputes peacefully in compliance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.