- Vietnam's leader To Lam visited Australia, where he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to deepen defense and critical minerals cooperation during their meeting in Canberra.
- Former Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam, James Kember, emphasized that high-level visits, such as that of To Lam, are crucial in setting the tone and agenda for future bilateral relations.
- Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam were established in 1975, with then Prime Minister Bill Rowling noting Vietnam's potential influence in the region.
- The Comprehensive Partnership was established in 2009, followed by its elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2020, indicating a growing confidence in the political and economic ties between the two countries.
- By 2024, two-way trade between New Zealand and Vietnam reached NZ$2.7 billion, reflecting the increasing economic ties.
Vietnam and Australia are deepening their defense and critical minerals ties as leaders met in Canberra, with a focus on military cooperation and addressing global supply chain disruptions.124
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam agreed to “further strengthen defense and security engagement”, emphasizing the importance of countering transnational organized crime and people smuggling.
Former New Zealand Ambassador James Kember highlighted that high-level visits are crucial for setting the tone and agenda for future relations, stating, “an exchange of visits at the highest level serves not only to acknowledge that relationship but also to set the tone and agenda for the future.”3
The leaders' meeting reflects a growing confidence in the bilateral relationship, which has evolved from a comprehensive partnership established in 2009 to a strategic partnership in 2020.5
Kember noted that the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 signifies a closer relationship, allowing for enhanced political and economic ties.
He stated, “Comprehensive does not have to mean all-encompassing. Rather it signals that there are areas of cooperation that have the potential to be strengthened.”
The leaders' commitment to military cooperation and addressing global challenges is seen as vital in an uncertain strategic environment, where regional security and supply chain issues are increasingly prominent.
“The joint statement also vows to counter transnational organized crime and people smuggling. Trade between Vietnam and New Zealand, a separate but related relationship, grew from NZ$1.2 billion in 2015 to NZ$2.7 billion by 2024, with a $3 billion goal for 2026.”
