Australian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Viet Nam received the Medal for the cause of Natural Resources and Environment

On the morning of December 19, Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Do Duc Duy had a meeting and worked with Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to Viet Nam.

Attending the reception and working session, on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, there were Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation; Mr. Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change; Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang, Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources of Viet Nam; Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Director General of the Department of Seas and Islands of Viet Nam; Mr. Pham Tan Tuyen, Director General of the Department of Organization and Personnel; Mr. Nguyen Thuong Hien, Chief of the Ministry's Office. 

On behalf of the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam, there were Ms. Cecilia Brennan, Economic Counselor; Ms. Bernadette Thompson, First Secretary in charge of Climate, Energy, Minerals; Ms. Madeleine Plocki, Second Secretary in charge of the Mekong program; Mr. Le Anh Duc, Senior Program Manager for Energy; Ms. Nguyen Thuy Linh, Senior Program Manager for Aid Policy (Mekong).

At the meeting, Minister Do Duc Duy highly appreciated the Ambassador for having a very successful term in Viet Nam and for his valuable contributions to promoting the friendly cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of natural resources and environment.

Talking with the Ambassador, Minister Do Duc Duy sincerely thanked and appreciated the support of the Australian Government for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, especially the support of the Ambassador personally while the Ministry of developed and submitted the Law on Geology and Minerals, which was approved by the Vietnamese National Assembly on November 29, 2024.

At the same time, the Minister also acknowledged the Australian Embassy for supporting the Ministry's officials working in the field of geology and minerals to participate in the Training Course on sustainable mineral resource management policies. At the same time, continue to share experiences, support experts and technology with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the work of exploiting minerals in a sustainable manner.

Regarding cooperation in the field of seas and islands, the Minister said that Australian agencies have supported many capacity building programs for units of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Minister suggested that the Viet Nam Administration of Seas and Islands coordinate closely with Australian specialized agencies to implement programs on basic surveys of seas and islands, management and use of marine data, development of blue marine economy, marine conservation, reduction of ocean pollution, sharing experiences on offshore wind power, etc., and develop a Joint Action Plan for 2025 to serve the management and development of marine resources, etc.

Regarding cooperation in the field of climate change, Minister Do Duc Duy said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has completed the draft amendment to Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP, which includes additional regulations related to carbon trading procedures in Viet Nam for submission to the Government for consideration and approval. After the Decree is issued, the Minister wishes to discuss the possibility of the Australian Government providing technical support and resources to promote the operation of the Carbon market in Viet Nam; focusing on supporting greenhouse gas inventories in various fields, building and managing a registration system for carbon credit projects, etc.

Acknowledging the appreciation of Minister Do Duc Duy, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski said that with the close cooperative relationship between the two countries and two governments, Australia always accompanies and supports Viet Nam in sustainable development programs and the embassy is honored to be a bridge to implement these cooperation programs.

Speaking with the Minister, Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski said that Viet Nam is currently entering a revolution in innovation. Viet Nam and Australia are partners with differences. However, more than 50 years of cooperation have created a relationship of trust and mutual respect. Therefore, in addition to the traditional cooperation that has existed, Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski said that Australia has many partners willing to invest and cooperate with Viet Nam in the fields of offshore wind power, processing of important minerals, etc. The Ambassador hopes that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will research and provide directions for programs and projects to progress in all of these areas.

In addition, through Minister Do Duc Duy, Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski wanted to know whether the people of Yen Bai, the area affected by the recent storm No. 3, have stabilized their lives as before?

Regarding this issue, Minister Do Duc Duy said that currently, Vietnam's policies and laws have been approved by the National Assembly such as the Law on Geology and Minerals, the Law on Electricity; Power Planning VIII..., so it is ready to cooperate with developed countries with modern science and technology, solid finance... including Australia so that the two sides will create common goals and results in the direction of development and sustainability. 

Regarding the sentiments of Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski in particular and the Australian Embassy in general towards the people of Yen Bai, Minister Do Duc Duy sincerely thanked the timely support of the Australian Embassy right after the storm caused severe consequences in Yen Bai. Up to now, Yen Bai has overcome the severe consequences caused by storm YAGI, the people who received support products from the Embassy said they were very happy, joyful and always remember this precious sentiment.

Also during the meeting, to express gratitude and acknowledge the contributions of the Ambassador, on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minister Do Duc Duy respectfully presented the Ambassador with the Medal for the cause of Natural Resources and Environment from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment after he fulfilled his responsibilities and obligations to the state and made valuable contributions to the sector. 

The Minister wished Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski and his family good health and happiness; regardless of his position, he hoped that the Ambassador would keep good memories of the country and people of Viet Nam as well as continue to pay special attention to Viet Nam.

Minister Do Duc Duy affirmed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment always values ​​the close cooperation relationship with the Australian Embassy and believes that the cooperation relationship between the Ministry and the Australian Embassy will become increasingly stronger. Cooperation in the field of natural resources and environment will continue to develop and bring about more specific and better results.