Government chief pushes for breakthroughs in Vietnam-Australia relations

During the meeting, PM Hung thanked his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and Ambassador Bird for their congratulatory messages following his election by Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly to the new post. He highly appreciated the ambassador and the Australian Embassy’s contributions to forging the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam considers Australia a trusted friend and an important Comprehensive Strategic Partner with growing influence in the region and many shared strategic interests with Vietnam. He welcomed progress in implementing all six pillars of the Action Programme for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024-2027, noting that about 96% of the programme has been finalized.

To further consolidate political trust, the Government leader called for thorough preparations for upcoming high-level exchanges and said he looked forward to welcoming the Australian PM back to Vietnam for APEC 2027. He also stressed the need to maintain regular bilateral cooperation mechanisms across sectors.

Highlighting ample room for cooperation, Hung urged both sides to adopt breakthrough measures to achieve bilateral trade of US$20 billion and double two-way investment in the coming time. He also called on Australia to further open its market to Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural and aquatic products, ensure stable fuel supplies, and limit trade barriers and anti-dumping investigations.

Vietnam will continue creating favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including Australian enterprises, to invest and operate in the country over the long term, while improving the legal framework for foreign-invested businesses, Hung told his guest.

He also called on Australia to facilitate Vietnamese investment projects in Australia and support training and capacity building for Vietnamese officials, especially leaders and managers at all levels.

The host leader also expressed hope that the two sides will further bolster cooperation in defence and security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

In response, Ambassador Bird congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and reaffirmed his nation’s support for Vietnam’s reform efforts and development goals.

Bird congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and said Australia will continue supporting Vietnam’s reform efforts and development goals. She also affirmed Australia’s desire to further contribute to stronger and more effective bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment, education and training, and science and technology.

Agreeing with Hung’s proposals, Bird said she will continue working closely with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities to augment bilateral cooperation across all sectors, including preparations for upcoming high-level exchanges and efforts to promote Australian investment in Vietnam under Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The Ambassador also announced that Australia wil provide nearly A$100 million in development assistance to Vietnam in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, focusing on science and technology, skills and workforce development, and climate change response.

On regional and international issues, host and guest agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral forums, boost ASEAN-Australia relations and regional free trade agreements such as CPTPP and RCEP, while cooperating to ensure freedom, security and safety of navigation. Australia also reaffirmed support for Vietnam’s successful hosting of APEC 2027.

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