Vietnam’s Top Leader Concludes Australia Visit With Trade, Defense in Focus

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's visit to Vietnam concluded with discussions centered around trade and defense, reflecting the strengthening bilateral relationship between the two nations. The visit showcased the convergence of economic and security interests, a trend that has been increasingly prominent in Australia's foreign policy.

Over the past few years, two-way trade between the countries has doubled, placing Vietnam among Australia's top ten trading partners. During the visit, Australia and Vietnam signed several agreements aimed at enhancing economic and security ties.

A significant milestone of the visit was the approval of a license for RMIT University to establish a campus in Hanoi. This move is part of a broader strategy to deepen the bilateral relationship through educational partnerships, including the creation of the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute. Australia's economic engagement with Vietnam includes measures such as increased agricultural access, including for kangaroo meat, and improved services in e-commerce and banking sectors.

Additionally, the low-cost airline Vietjet announced it would commence flights to the new Western Sydney Airport.

In terms of defense cooperation, Australia and Vietnam have been working on strengthening their relationship through regular dialogues involving defense and foreign ministers. This cooperation encompasses various areas, including maritime security, defense intelligence, information sharing, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, military medicine, and defense industry collaboration.

The two countries also plan to increase bilateral military education and training, multilateral exercises, and enhance interoperability. A key aspect of this cooperation is working through regional mechanisms, with Australia emphasizing the importance of ASEAN centrality in its approach to Southeast Asian diplomacy.

Vietnam's leader, To Lam, acknowledged the strategic importance of the visit, emphasizing that Australia's diverse approach to security ties with Southeast Asian countries will help protect and advance Australia's interests. The visit demonstrates Vietnam's receptiveness to expanding both economic and security ties with Australia, as the foreign policy objectives of both nations align in promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.