The Australian Associated Press (AAP) said Viet Nam-Australia relations are built on a foundation of deep strategic trust, converging interests and a shared commitment to the future of the region. AAP quoted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as saying ahead of the visit that he looked forward to welcoming General Secretary and President To Lam and discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
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Party General Secretary and President To Lam (R) and Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn at the welcome ceremony in Canberra on the morning of August 11. |
Highlighting the growth of bilateral economic ties, AAP noted that two-way trade has doubled since 2020 to reach AUD 30 billion (USD 21.1 billion), making Viet Nam one of Australia’s fastest-growing trading partners. Viet Nam has emerged as a major market for Australian coal, iron ore and aluminum, while also being an important source of international students. As Australia faces rising demand for fuel and energy, Viet Nam is increasingly seen as a promising partner, making trade and energy cooperation key areas for mutually beneficial discussions between the two leaders.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) said the visit takes place against the backdrop of an increasingly mature and solid partnership. Viet Nam has risen into Australia’s top 10 trading partners, while Australia remains an important economic partner for Viet Nam. With bilateral trade in goods and services reaching around AUD 30 billion in 2025 and total two-way investment standing at USD 1.9 billion, the combination of strong growth and substantial room for further cooperation is expected to deepen strategic connectivity between the two economies.
On August 11, The Canberra Times said high-level talks in Canberra could pave the way for long-term economic gains. The newspaper highlighted Viet Nam’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies and Australia’s five-decade effort to build a strong friendship with the country. It quoted Dr. Anne Vo, a senior lecturer of Vietnamese culture and politics at the University of Wollongong, as saying that Viet Nam is increasingly playing a pivotal role and providing practical economic security for Australian businesses amid a volatile global environment.
News.com.au and The Australian similarly identified trade, energy transition and regional security as key agenda items capable of generating substantial added value for both economies.
Australian media also paid close attention to Viet Nam’s strategic outlook on international affairs. AAP recalled General Secretary and President To Lam’s remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May, highlighting his assessment that the world faces growing risks and uncertainty, with broader but more vulnerable connectivity, greater technological advances accompanied by higher risks of misuse, and deeper interdependence that can also be weaponized as a means of pressure.
The agency praised Viet Nam’s consistent approach of promoting trust, dialogue and respect for international law as ways to overcome the risks of division and uncontrolled competition in today’s strategic environment.
Source: VNA