Australia and Vietnam Strengthen Strategic Partnership with New Defence and Trade Agreements

Australian Gov. Department of PM and Cabinet on X

Vietnam President To Lam and Australian PM Anthony Albanese.

Australia and Vietnam agreed on Tuesday to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by signing a series of cooperation agreements covering defence, agriculture and border security.

The two sides also expressed concern over restrictive trade practices that are disrupting global supply chains, according to a joint statement issued by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese President To Lam during Lam's official visit to Australia.

The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing economic resilience and regional stability.

They also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force to expand cooperation on maritime law enforcement. In addition, a separate agreement was signed to strengthen collaboration and mutual assistance between the two countries' border agencies, according to the Vietnamese government.

"We agree that, amid rapid and complex developments around the world, countries need to strengthen dialogue, build trust, ensure security, safety and freedom ‌of ⁠navigation and overflight, and settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law," Lam said in a joint media appearance with Albanese.

Australia regularly deploys naval vessels and surveillance aircraft to the South China Sea as part of its broader Indo-Pacific operations. In April, Canberra joined Canada and the United States in a joint maritime transit through the disputed waterway, where China, Vietnam and several other countries maintain overlapping territorial claims.

Bilateral trade between Australia and Vietnam increased by 22% year-on-year during the first half of 2026, reaching US$8.1 billion, according to the joint statement.



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