Vietnam-Australia Elevate Strategic Partnership to New Stage with Historic State Visit

Vietnamese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, along with a high-level delegation, has embarked on a state visit to Australia at the invitation of Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This visit holds particular historical significance as it marks the first time a Vietnamese President and General Secretary has visited Australia in this capacity. The trip is poised to usher in a new era of bilateral relations and send a strong message about the leadership's commitment to fostering more effective cooperation based on mutual trust, respect, and shared benefits. Ambassador Pham Hung Tam of Vietnam to Australia highlighted that the visit's core objective is to further consolidate and elevate political trust at the highest level, thereby creating new momentum for the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. The visit also presents an opportunity for leaders to engage in in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern and to strengthen coordination in multilateral forums, underscoring a shared commitment to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and globally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his anticipation of welcoming President and General Secretary To Lam to Australia and discussing ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation. He emphasized that the Vietnam-Australia relationship is built on a foundation of deep strategic trust, shared interests, and a common aspiration for the region's future. Australia, the world's 12th-largest economy and fourth-largest in the Asia-Pacific, boasts a GDP of approximately $2 trillion USD and has 19 FTAs with over 30 economies. Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic relations on February 26, 1973. Their relationship has evolved through stages, including a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, an Enhanced Comprehensive Partnership in 2015, and a Strategic Partnership in 2018. In March 2024, the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a historic milestone reflecting deep strategic trust and a shared vision for the future. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remain vital pillars of the bilateral relationship. Australia is a leading economic partner for Vietnam, while Vietnam is increasingly recognized as a dynamic trade partner for Australia in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade reached $14 billion USD in 2025. Australia ranks as Vietnam's seventh-largest trading partner, and Vietnam is Australia's tenth-largest. As of May 31, 2026, Australian investors had 734 active projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital exceeding $1.9 billion USD. Australia is a significant provider of non-refundable Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, having provided over AUD 3 billion since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The two countries also cooperate closely in security and defense, including through personnel exchanges, agreements, crime prevention, immigration management, and joint training. They have established a United Nations Peacekeeping Partnership. The implementation of the 2024-2027 Action Plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is progressing well, with approximately 96% of planned actions completed or on track, demonstrating strong political will and effective coordination. Source: Nhan Dan