Vietnam’s senior leader To Lam is visiting Australia and New Zealand this week to strengthen maritime security cooperation, particularly in intelligence-sharing and joint patrols. The visit, which concludes on Friday, August 14th, 2026, includes plans to sign between 12 and 16 agreements with Australia covering education, digital transformation, agriculture, and healthcare.

Lam emphasized the importance of dialogue, trust-building, and peaceful dispute resolution under international law amid complex global developments during a joint media appearance with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, August 12th, 2026. Albanese highlighted shared strategic interests, stating, “Australia and Vietnam both want an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous,” and praised Vietnam’s leadership role in the region.

Both countries welcomed expanded cooperation in defence, maritime and border security, the digital economy, agriculture, energy, minerals, science, and innovation. Notably, Vietnam agreed to provide market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat, potentially opening trade avenues worth up to A$500,000 (US$350,000) for Australian exporters.

In New Zealand, where Lam is the first Vietnamese head of state to visit since 2007, officials expect the signing of five to six agreements. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the two nations aim to strengthen ties across sectors including food and fibre, education, tourism, technology, aviation, and investment, supporting increased exports and job creation.

The Vietnamese government also indicated a focus on bolstering partnerships and cooperation in science and technology during the trip.

Sources