Vietnam’s To Lam eyes trade, defence boost during trip to Australia, New Zealand
A visit by Vietnam’s top leader To Lam to Australia and New Zealand this week is expected to lead to stronger maritime security cooperation, especially in intelligence-sharing and joint patrols. The Vietnamese president is seeking to bolster partnerships and strengthen cooperation in science and technology, according to a government statement. During Lam’s six-day trip, which ends on Friday, he…
Vietnamese President To Lam embarked on a six-day visit to Australia and New Zealand, aiming to strengthen economic and defense ties with both nations. The visit is expected to result in the signing of 12 to 16 agreements covering various sectors, such as education, digital transformation, agriculture, healthcare, digital economy, agriculture, energy, minerals, science, and innovation.
Lam also expressed his desire for enhanced maritime security cooperation, particularly in intelligence-sharing and joint patrols. In a joint media appearance with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Lam emphasized the importance of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, highlighting Australia's shared strategic interest in maintaining a South China Sea free of coercion and domination.
During his visit to New Zealand, Lam is expected to further bolster ties across various sectors, including food and fibre, education, tourism, technology, aviation, and investment. Both Australia and New Zealand strongly support Vietnam's leadership within the region and welcome stronger cooperation in defense, maritime, and border security.
Although an explicit joint statement condemning China was unlikely, the leaders are expected to discuss China's actions in the South China Sea. Vietnamese joint statements with Australia and New Zealand are likely to include a general reference to defense and security cooperation, particularly support for Hanoi's commitment to UN peacekeeping operations.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
