Vietnam President To Lam Visits US Command and Oceania Nations

President and Party General Secretary To Lam is conducting a series of high-level diplomatic engagements to bolster Vietnam's strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. On August 5, 2026, he hosted Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, in Hanoi. During the meeting, Lam affirmed the United States as a top strategic partner and urged the prompt conclusion of the Section 301 investigation to prevent trade remedy measures from damaging bilateral relations. He also extended an invitation to President Donald Trump to attend the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.

From August 9 to 14, 2026, Lam will travel to Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, he will begin a four-day visit starting Sunday, including trade talks in Canberra on August 11 with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two nations expect to sign 12 to 16 agreements covering healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation, building on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in March 2024. Notably, Lam is required by law to participate in the Australian census during his stay.

Lam will conclude his tour with a State visit to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on August 12. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other top officials to sign five to six agreements focused on aviation, investment, and tourism. Prime Minister Luxon noted that New Zealand trade with Vietnam reached NZ$3.41 billion in the year ending March 2026, highlighting Vietnam as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.