CANBERRA, August 12, 2026 — Australia and Vietnam have moved to deepen defence, security and economic ties as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Vietnamese President To Lam for a three-day state visit.
The two leaders pledged closer cooperation on defence, critical minerals, semiconductors, clean energy and supply-chain security, while calling for peace and freedom of navigation in the contested South China Sea.
“Vietnam is one of Australia’s closest partners in our region, and our relationship continues to go from strength to strength,” Albanese said.
Lam said Vietnam valued Australia’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with South-East Asia, urging countries to build trust and resolve disputes peacefully under international law.
The countries agreed to expand military cooperation, including joint training, maritime security, search-and-rescue operations and disaster relief. Their border agencies will also work together against transnational crime and human trafficking.
Economic ties also received a boost, with Vietnam restoring market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat. The two sides will also expand cooperation in digital trade, including digital health and banking.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said Vietnam’s rapidly growing economy and expanding middle class offered major opportunities for Australian exporters.
A new Vietjet service between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney International Airport is expected to begin in January, with two flights a week.
Education links will also expand, with RMIT granted approval for an additional campus in Vietnam and Australian providers cleared to deliver industry-focused training.
The two countries also signed agreements covering medical research, pandemic preparedness and healthcare in rural and remote Vietnamese communities.
Australia and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. The latest agreements underline the growing strategic importance of their relationship as both countries seek a more secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.
Lam will travel to New Zealand following his Australian visit, becoming the first Vietnamese president to visit the country since 2007.
