The Australian Embassy in Vietnam said that General Secretary To Lam and Ambassador Gillian Bird discussed strong cooperation momentum between Australia and Vietnam in key areas, including trade and investment, education, energy, climate, national defense and security.
Australia is a steadfast and reliable partner of Vietnam, committed to deep cooperation with Vietnam to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous area.
In times of global uncertainty, we understand that Australias security, stability and prosperity come from our partnerships in the region and that partnerships with Vietnam play an important role, said Ambassador Bird.
Ambassador Gillian Bird congratulated General Secretary To Lam on his reform program, including reforming the streamlining of the administrative apparatus nationwide and focusing on the "four pillars" to facilitate Vietnam's economic growth.
The relationship between Australia and Vietnam was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, bringing new momentum to close cooperation between the two countries, strengthened by close economic and trade linkages.
Australia's development assistance to Vietnam has increased to 96.6 million AUD in 2025-2026 with practical programs to promote the economy.
Ambassador Gillian Bird took on the role in Vietnam after serving as Australian Ambassador to France, Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (USA). As a senior official, she focused on working in Southeast Asia and was Australia's first Ambassador to ASEAN.
