The Vietnamese General Consulate in Sydney on August 24 held a reception to mark the country’s 73^rd National Day (September 2), with the participation of many officials of the local administration and representatives of the Vietnamese community there.

Consul General in Sydney Trinh Duc Hai (second, left) makes a toast to congratulate the 73^rd National Day of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the function, Consul General Trinh Duc Hai recalled historical landmarks and achievements recorded by the Vietnamese people over the past 73 years. He highlighted that with tremendous efforts, the Vietnamese people have regained national independence and reunification, as well as turned Vietnam into a dynamic country with a population of 97 million and an economy ranking the 45^th in the world in terms of gross domestic product.

Highlighting the fine friendship and relations between Vietnam and Australia, the diplomat held that 2018 is a special year that marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and stressed that the relations between Vietnam and Australia have never been so fine.

Pushing up the economic and trade cooperation is one of the key policies relating to the bilateral relations and the two-way trade value now stands at AUD 10 billion, Hai said.

Representatives of the local administration extended greetings to the Vietnamese Government and people on the occasion of the national Day.

They spoke highly of the contributions by the Vietnamese community to the local society and economy, and pledged further support in various fields to the community./.

VNF/VNA