Vietnam's top leader to pay state visits to Australia and New Zealand

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam will pay state visits to Australia and New Zealand from August 9 to 14 at the invitation of Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn and Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro.

The visits will mark Mr. To Lam's first official trip to Australia and New Zealand since assuming his current positions.

Vietnam regards Australia as a trusted friend and an important Comprehensive Strategic Partner with significant potential and an increasingly influential role in the region. The two countries also share a range of strategic interests.

All six priority areas under the 2024-2027 Action Plan for implementing the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership are progressing on schedule, with approximately 96% of the plan already completed.

The two countries are pursuing measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to US$20 billion while doubling two-way investment.

Australia has expanded market access for a number of Vietnamese agricultural products, including lychees, mangoes, dragon fruit, longan, passion fruit and frozen shrimp. Vietnam, in turn, has increased imports of Australian fruit.

Australia also remains one of Vietnam's largest bilateral providers of non-refundable official development assistance (ODA).

Earlier this year, Australia announced nearly A$100 million (approximately US$65 million) in development assistance for Vietnam for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with priority areas including science and technology, skills development, workforce training and climate change adaptation.

Education continues to be one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation.

With more than 37,000 Vietnamese students, Vietnam is Australia's fifth-largest source of international students.

Long-standing partnership with New Zealand

Vietnam and New Zealand have maintained diplomatic relations since 1975, despite the geographical distance between the two countries.

The two governments are actively implementing the 2025-2030 Action Plan for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across five priority areas.

Both countries have agreed on measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to US$3 billion, according to VNN.

Vietnam's major exports to New Zealand include footwear, furniture, ceramics, computers, electronic products and components, seafood, coffee and cashew nuts.

Imports from New Zealand include agricultural products, wood pulp, chemicals, iron and steel.

New Zealand is also an important provider of official development assistance to Vietnam, with support increasing steadily over the years.

Its assistance focuses primarily on human resource development, agriculture, education and training, and climate change adaptation.

New Zealand also offers a significant number of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Vietnamese students and scientific and technical professionals.

Currently, around 1,700 Vietnamese students are studying in New Zealand.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (right) and President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Thailand agree to advance “Three Connects” Strategy

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram agreed on August 6 to step up the substantive implementation of the “Three Connects” Strategy.

During their meeting in Hanoi, the leaders also consented to strengthen links between supply chains, businesses, localities, and sustainable development strategies.

PM Hung said the Thai leader’s visit is of special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Thailand (August 6, 1976-2026), helping reinforce political trust, deepen cooperation between the two legislatures and further advance the countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more substantive and effective manner.

The PM stressed that Thailand is a close neighbour, an important partner and a trusted companion of Vietnam, with the two countries sharing many common values and strategic interests. He affirmed that they have maintained close coordination to uphold ASEAN centrality, promote Mekong subregional cooperation and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

He commended the Thai parliament's role and positive contributions to bilateral ties, expressing confidence that the visit would create fresh momentum for cooperation between the two legislatures and support the effective implementation of high-level agreements.

Thai NA President Sophon Zaram said he was pleased to make his first official visit to Vietnam, and affirmed Thailand's commitment to its traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, reported VNA.

The leader commended Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and its recent efforts to streamline the state apparatus, saying Thailand was keen to learn from Vietnam's experience. He also expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand across all areas, particularly following Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's official visit to Thailand in May 2026 and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to Vietnam in June.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in Vietnam-Thailand relations. They noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to gain momentum, with political trust further strengthened through high-level visits and exchanges as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Defense and security cooperation has remained a key pillar, while cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges has continued to expand, bringing tangible benefits to the people and businesses of both countries.

Both leaders stressed the importance of fostering political trust by maintaining exchanges across all levels, making full use of key bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Joint Cabinet Meeting co-chaired by the two PMs, and closely coordinating the effective implementation of the 2026-2031 action program for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with concrete outcomes in defense, security, economy, science and technology, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides will work to maintain the effectiveness of existing defense and security cooperation mechanisms while strengthening collaboration in maritime security and safety, defense industry, logistics, military medicine, search and rescue, and border management. They will also step up coordination in combating transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, human trafficking and online fraud. They reaffirmed their commitment not to allow any individual or organisation to use the territory of one country to undermine the other.

They also pledged to make more effective use of the East-West Economic Corridor and the Southern Economic Corridor, expand road, air and maritime connectivity, and encourage businesses from both countries to increase investment.

The two sides agreed to enhance the effectiveness of the Vietnam–Thailand Joint Trade Committee, with the aim of raising bilateral trade to 25 billion USD in the near term and ultimately 50 billion USD, while ensuring balanced and sustainable growth.

PM Hung called on the two legislatures to enhance delegation exchanges, share legislative and oversight experience, and continue supporting cooperation between the two countries. He also encouraged them to serve as a bridge between localities, helping promote collaboration in investment, trade, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, thereby reinforcing the foundation of the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

For regional and international issues, the two leaders agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral forums and within Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms. They also pledged to work closely to strengthen ASEAN unity and uphold the bloc's centrality, while promoting ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea and maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Thai leader lauded the Vietnamese community in Thailand for its contributions to local socio-economic development, saying it has played an important role in strengthening people-to-people exchanges and political trust between the two countries.

PM Hung called on Thailand to continue creating favorable conditions for the community to live and work stably, enabling it to further contribute to Thailand's development as well as to the bilateral ties.

Both leaders noted confidence that, with strong political will and close coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries, the Vietnam–Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would continue to develop in a more substantive and effective manner, serving the interests of their peoples while making a positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam, Malaysia deepen defense ties under strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang held talks in Hanoi on August 6 with Malaysian Defense Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam from August 5 to 6.

Gen. Phan Van Giang hailed the strong progress in bilateral ties, with the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2024.

He congratulated Malaysia on successfully hosting ASEAN military and defense meetings during its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which sustained the bloc's central role and advanced regional peace, stability, and development.

Both ministers evaluated recent defense cooperation as practical and increasingly broad. Key achievements include high-level delegation exchanges, effective consultation mechanisms, defense industry cooperation, service branch exchanges, human resource training, UN peacekeeping efforts, and mutual support at ASEAN-led multilateral forums, reported VOV.

Deputy PM and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang and Malaysian Defense Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin inspect the Honour Guard of the Vietnam People's Army.

Looking ahead, Gen. Phan Van Giang proposed both defense ministries effectively implement high-level agreements outlined in the Action Program for the Vietnam-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Priorities include maintaining contacts at all levels, intensifying delegation exchanges, strengthening service-to-service ties, expanding defense industry cooperation, military medicine, and UN peacekeeping coordination.

On personnel training, Giang called for Malaysia’s support in English language training for Vietnam People's Army officers. He affirmed Vietnam's readiness to welcome Malaysian defense instructors to teach at Vietnamese military institutions and to send military personnel to Malaysia for English courses.

He also invited Malaysian defense personnel to join Vietnamese language and international defense official courses in Vietnam, encouraging academic exchanges between military academies to enhance mutual understanding.

Additionally, Gen. Phan Van Giang invited Malaysian defense leaders, military officials, and defense enterprises to attend and display products at the 3rd Vietnam International Defense Expo, slated for December 2026 in Hanoi.

For his part, Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin affirmed that his visit underscores the friendship and trust between the two nations and their defense ministries. He expressed a desire to advance agreed defense cooperation areas based on mutual needs and interests, helping bring the bilateral strategic partnership into deeper, more practical effect.

Discussing regional and international issues of shared concern, including the East Sea, Gen. Phan Van Giang emphasized Vietnam's desire to maintain regular consultation with Malaysia and step up practical cooperation between maritime law enforcement agencies.

Both sides reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s unified stance on resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also called for full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of an effective, substantive Code of Conduct (COC).

Vietnam-Australia ties poised for new development breakthroughs

The upcoming state visit to Australia by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam will consolidate political trust at the highest level, provide fresh momentum for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and set priorities for the coming period, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam.

Tam told the Vietnam News Agency that the visit carries special historical significance as the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters a new phase with broad opportunities and substantial room for cooperation.

After more than half a century of diplomatic relations and comprehensive cooperation, the two countries have increasingly shared strategic interests and have a growing need to strengthen coordination in responding to profound changes in the international environment.

General Secretary and President Lam’s visit, therefore, offers an opportunity for the countries' leaders to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and enhance coordination at multilateral forums, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.

As the highest-level external activity of the Party and State and the first state visit to Australia by a Vietnamese State President, the trip is considered to carry strong political, diplomatic, and symbolic significance. It is also expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and demonstrate the strategic vision and determination of both sides to build increasingly effective ties based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit.

The ambassador noted that the significance of the visit extends beyond bilateral relations amid rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments in the regional and global landscape. It will provide an opportunity for the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing common challenges, promote multilateralism, and support a fair and sustainable international order founded on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, VNA reported.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam (Photo: VNA)

The visit will also help implement the foreign policy adopted at the 14th National Party Congress, Tam said, hoping that its success will further affirm the strategic value of the bilateral partnership to the long-term interests of both countries, as well as to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world.

The diplomat expected the top leader’s visit to create new momentum for the two countries to effectively implement strategic cooperation orientations, translate political commitments into concrete, long-term and substantive programs, and deliver practical benefits to the people and business communities of both countries.

He identified science and technology, innovation, and the digital economy as areas with strong potential for breakthroughs. A Tech Connect forum in Sydney will provide a major platform for agencies, universities, research institutes, and businesses to expand cooperation in high-value sectors.

He also highlighted sustainable supply chains and economic resilience, with energy, food security, and infrastructure likely to become priorities. Traditional areas such as trade, investment, education, and healthcare are also expected to gain fresh momentum.

Looking back on more than two years since the two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Tam said bilateral cooperation has developed strongly and substantively across almost all fields, reflecting growing political trust on both sides to translate high-level commitments into concrete results.

According to the diplomat, political trust has strengthened through high-level visits and contacts, dialogue mechanisms, and close coordination at regional and international forums. The economy, trade, and investment cooperation remain important pillars. In the first six months of 2026, two-way trade reached 8.1 billion USD, up nearly 22% year-on-year, with Vietnam’s exports to Australia rising more than 25% to 3.8 billion USD. Australia is currently among Vietnam’s top 10 partners in trade, tourism, and official development assistance (ODA).

Defense and security cooperation has also expanded, notably with the first ministerial-level Security Dialogue in Canberra in October 2024 and the first participation by a Vietnamese naval vessel in Australia-hosted Exercise Kakadu in Darwin the same year.

Science, technology, and innovation are emerging as new drivers. The two countries have advanced the second phase of the Aus4Innovation program and cooperation under a memorandum of understanding on innovation. Meanwhile, education remains another bright spot, with Australia providing around 70 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to Vietnam annually. Vietnam is currently the fourth-largest source of international students in Australia, with around 20,000 Vietnamese students studying at Australian institutions or under Australian education programs in Vietnam.

With solid political trust, complementary economies, and strong commitment from the two countries’ leaders, the ambassador expressed confidence that the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen and become an example of equal and win-win cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Vietnam climbs to fourth in European searches for Asia travel

Vietnam has strengthened its appeal as a travel destination in Asia, ranking fourth among the most searched destinations by European travelers for the 2026 summer season, with Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City emerging as the country’s most popular destinations.

According to accommodation search data for trips in July and August released by digital travel platform Agoda, Vietnam climbed one place from a year earlier to rank behind Thailand, Indonesia and Japan among the most searched destinations in Asia by European travelers.

Vietnam also ranked among the three fastest-growing Asian destinations in terms of search interest from Europe. Search volumes for Vietnam increased 12% year on year, trailing only India (14%) and the Republic of Korea (13%) among the region’s top 20 destinations.

Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Russia were the largest source markets in terms of accommodation searches for Vietnam. Meanwhile, emerging markets posted strong growth, with searches from Azerbaijan rising 177%, followed by Poland (66%) and Sweden (55%).

Interestingly, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City retained their positions as the two most searched destinations among European travelers for the second consecutive year. Nha Trang climbed to third place, reflecting growing interest in Vietnam's coastal destinations.

Agoda noted that Da Nang and Nha Trang continue to attract visitors with their beaches, resort offerings and outdoor activities, while Ho Chi Minh City appeals to travelers seeking urban experiences, culture and cuisine. The southern metropolis also serves as a gateway for exploring the Mekong Delta, the South-central Coast and the Central Highlands.

Vu Ngoc Lam, country director at Agoda shared that Vietnam’s rise to fourth place reflects the country’s growing appeal among European travelers, with interest coming from both established and emerging origin markets, cited VOV.

International visitors explore the northern province of Ninh Binh

“Da Nang and Nha Trang’s entry into the top three also highlight the strength of Vietnam’s coastal offering. From dynamic cities and local culture to beaches and island escapes, Vietnam gives travelers many ways to experience Asia”, he concluded.

July and August are Europe's peak summer holiday season, with many travelers seeking coastal and island getaways following an early-season heatwave across the continent. With its 3,260-kilometer coastline, beaches, islands, vibrant cities and rich cultural attractions, Vietnam offers a diverse range of summer experiences.

Vietnam welcomed 2.35 million European visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 53.4% from a year earlier and accounting for around 17% of all international arrivals.

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