Australian Governor-General David Hurley is the first foreign leader paying a State visit to Vietnam in 2023. He is also the first national guest that the Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong has received in his new position. Welcoming his guest, President Thuong underlined the importance of the visit, which marks the start of the year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. They agreed to consider the upgrade of the relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at a suitable point of time. They said the two sides should maintain trust; enhance friendship, mutual understanding and respect via delegation exchanges and meetings at all levels. Talking about regional and international issues, President Thuong applauded Australia’s high priority given to relations with Southeast Asia and Vietnam, and the enhancement of ties with ASEAN. The two leaders agreed that the two countries will keep increasing consultation and closely coordinating at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN, and ASEAN-led mechanisms./.