- Lam's six-day trip begins, expected to lead to stronger maritime security cooperation with Australia and New Zealand.
- During Lam’s six-day trip, which ends on Friday, he is expected to sign 12 to 16 agreements with Canberra – covering education, digital transformation, agriculture and healthcare.
- Lam will be the first Vietnamese head of state to visit New Zealand since 2007, with five to six pacts anticipated.
- Lam and Australian Prime Minister Albanese held a joint media appearance on Tuesday, discussing regional challenges and cooperation areas.
- Albanese stated: “Australia and Vietnam both want an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous. We are both strong supporters of Asean and its central role, and Australia values Vietnam’s leadership within our region.”
- Both countries welcomed stronger cooperation across defence, maritime and border security, the digital economy, agriculture, energy, minerals, science, and innovation.
- Albanese noted: “I am particularly pleased that Vietnam has agreed to provide market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat. This will open up avenues for up to A$500,000 (US$350,000) in trade for Australian exporters.”
- Lam is seeking to bolster partnerships and strengthen cooperation in science and technology, according to a government statement.
Vietnam's Minister of Public Security To Lam is visiting Australia and New Zealand to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance maritime security cooperation. The six-day trip, which concludes on Friday, is expected to result in the signing of 12 to 16 agreements covering various sectors, including education, digital transformation, agriculture, and healthcare.12
In a joint media appearance, Lam emphasized the need for countries to “strengthen dialogue, build trust, ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight” amid global complexities. Australian Prime Minister Albanese echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared vision for a “peaceful, stable, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.47
Both nations are also focusing on defence, maritime and border security, and the digital economy. Lam's visit marks the first by a Vietnamese head of state to New Zealand since 2007, with expectations of signing five to six pacts there. The New Zealand Prime Minister noted that the nations would strengthen ties in “food and fibre, education, tourism, technology, aviation and investment”, which will support more exports and jobs.3
Additionally, Lam announced that Vietnam would provide market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat, potentially generating A$500,000 (US$350,000) in trade for Australian exporters. This visit underscores the growing partnership between Vietnam and Australia, as both countries seek to navigate regional challenges together.6
“Lam's visit marks the first by a Vietnamese head of state to New Zealand since 2007, with five to six pacts anticipated. Australia's PM Albanese highlighted Vietnam's agreement to open market access for kangaroo and deer meat, potentially worth A$500,000 in trade.”
South China Morning Post
