HCMC – Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong on September 10 presided over a state ceremony to welcome Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi, marking the start of her state visit to Vietnam from September 9 to 12.
Following the ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the two leaders held talks to review recent cooperation outcomes and outline future priorities.
This visit takes place as Vietnam and Australia have deepened ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was established in March 2024 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Australia. The two sides also signed an action plan for 2024-2027, with 96% of its 180 agreed items already completed or on track.
Vietnam and Australia first established diplomatic relations in 1973. The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, to an Enhanced Comprehensive Partnership in 2015, and to a Strategic Partnership in 2018. The move to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects more than 50 years of growing cooperation.
Bilateral trade has expanded strongly. Australia is now Vietnam’s seventh-largest trading partner, while Vietnam ranks as Australia’s tenth. Two-way trade reached US$14.1 billion in 2024 and US$7.9 billion in the first seven months of 2025.
The two nations also cooperate in security, defense, education, agriculture, labor, and science and technology. Looking ahead, both see potential in areas such as clean energy, innovation, high technology, mining, infrastructure, telecommunications, and high-tech agriculture.
Vietnam’s overseas community in Australia numbers about 375,000 people, making it the fifth-largest foreign ethnic group in the country and a bridge for bilateral ties.
President Luong Cuong and Governor-General Mostyn reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors, with respect for sovereignty and international law, as both countries aim to contribute to regional peace, stability, and development.
