Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese President To Lam agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership during talks in Canberra, Australia. The agreement covers defense, security, trade, and clean energy sectors, according to the leaders' discussions.
The leaders expressed concern regarding developments in the South China Sea. President To Lam stated that countries must strengthen dialogue and build trust to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight, settling disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
According to a statement from the Australian Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders reaffirmed a commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific free from coercion. They also emphasized the importance of adhering to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Defense and maritime cooperation
Australia and Vietnam welcomed an updated joint vision for defense cooperation. The two nations agreed to expand collaboration in areas including military training, maritime security, peacekeeping, search and rescue, information sharing, and counterterrorism.
The Vietnam Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force exchanged a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on maritime law enforcement. Additionally, the Vietnamese government stated that a memorandum was signed to enhance cooperation and mutual assistance between the border forces of Australia and Vietnam.
Australia regularly deploys naval vessels and surveillance aircraft in the South China Sea as part of its Indo-Pacific operations. In April, Australia participated in a multilateral transit through the South China Sea alongside Canada and the United States.
Trade and economic partnerships
Bilateral trade between Australia and Vietnam in the first half of 2026, representing a 22 per cent year-on-year increase.
The leaders pledged to expand bilateral trade and investment, strengthen supply chains, and deepen cooperation in critical minerals. This includes strengthening cooperation on supply chains for semiconductors and clean energy.
Vietnam's main exports to Australia include electronics, smartphones, and garments, while it imports Australian coal, minerals, and natural gas. The leaders also welcomed agreements covering agriculture, vocational education, aviation, health, science, and technology.
In a joint statement, Albanese and To Lam expressed concern regarding restrictive trade practices that disrupt global supply chains.
Security, climate, and regional issues
Australia and Vietnam committed to accelerating renewable energy deployment and strengthening cooperation on climate change, maintaining a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
The two nations committed to strengthening cooperation against cybercrime, online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism financing.
Regarding regional stability, the leaders called for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and unhindered humanitarian access. They also reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and called for inclusive dialogue within the region.
