"The Vietnam-Australia relationship is built on a foundation of deep strategic trust, shared interests, and a common vision for the future of the region," stated Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese in a message posted on his website on 6/8, referring to the upcoming visit by General Secretary, President To Lam.

The head of Vietnam's Party and State will undertake a state visit to Australia and New Zealand from 9-14/8, at the invitation of Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his anticipation for welcoming General Secretary, President To Lam and discussing enhanced cooperation between the two countries during the visit. He added that both nations share deep cultural ties, with approximately 350,000 people of Vietnamese origin residing in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Suva on 6/7. Photo: AFP

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird, in a message on 6/8, also conveyed Australia's anticipation for welcoming General Secretary, President To Lam, aiming to usher in a new chapter for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

"Australia and Vietnam are bound not only by common interests but also by a shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity," Ambassador Bird said.

The ambassador noted that Vietnam and Australia have enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, defense and security, education, digital transformation, and energy transition.

"This visit aims to translate commitments into practical outcomes, thereby deepening the partnership and fostering mutual prosperity for both nations," Bird added.

Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic relations on 26/2/1973, elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 3/2024. Bilateral trade in 2025 reached 14 billion USD.

Australia is currently Vietnam's seventh largest trade partner, and Vietnam is Australia's tenth largest. As of 31/5, Australian investors have 734 valid projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital exceeding 1.9 billion USD, ranking 22nd among 154 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Australia stands as one of the largest bilateral partners providing non-refundable Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam. Since establishing diplomatic relations, Australia has supported Vietnam with over 3 billion AUD (approximately 47 trillion VND).

Science and technology cooperation continues to receive high attention, with both sides effectively implementing phase two of the Aus4Innovation program. The Ministry of Science and Technology also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on Science, Technology, and Innovation over five years with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Ngoc Anh