(VOVworld)- Australia highly appreciates its relations with Vietnam in its strategy in the Asia Pacific region. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman made the announcement at a ceremony launching celebrations for the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Hanoi on Wednesday. The two countries have signed several cooperative agreements in economics, trade, education, national defense and climate change. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said Vietnam and Australia will raise their relation to the comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future. “Achievements in the last 40 years are the firm foundation for the two countries to raise their relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership. To mark the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties, Vietnam and Australia have agreed to jointly organize celebration activities this year”, said Mr. Son.

A series of activities to mark the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam- Australia bilateral diplomatic ties will be held in Hanoi and HCM City.

A Vietnam film festival has opened in Western Australia to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties. Councilor Lily Chen of the Perth City Council, which is co-hosting the event with the Vietnamese Consulate in Perth, expressed her hope at Tuesday’s ceremony that a relationship between Perth and a Vietnamese city will soon be established. During the festival, Vietnamese films, including “Vietnam in development” and “The Story of Pao”, will be shown at the Northbride Piazza centre. The films impressed the audience with Vietnam – a country of rapid development, beautiful landscape, rich culture, and hospitable people.