Tô Lâm Visits Australia and New Zealand to Boost Trade

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President Tô Lâm conducted state visits to Australia and New Zealand on August 11, 2026, to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with both nations.

In Canberra, Tô Lâm met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in defense, maritime affairs, border security, and emerging technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Tô Lâm proposed a bilateral trade target of US$20 billion and sought increased investment through Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

Simultaneously, Tô Lâm visited New Zealand at the invitation of Governor-General Cindy Kiro. This marked the first state visit to New Zealand by a Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President. The visit focused on raising two-way trade to US$3 billion, establishing direct air routes, and expanding cooperation in science and climate change response.

Across both visits, the Vietnamese leader emphasized regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of settling disputes based on international law. In New Zealand, he also met with representatives of the Vietnamese community and South Pacific island countries to strengthen ties with overseas citizens.