Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Her Excellency Gillian Bird, is honoured to have had her first meeting with His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
In warm and constructive talks, they discussed the strong momentum in cooperation between Australia and Vietnam across key sectors—including trade and investment, education, energy, climate, and defence and security.
Australia is a steadfast, reliable and trusted partner for Vietnam, deeply committed to working with Vietnam to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“In times of enormous global uncertainty, we know Australia’s security, stability and prosperity comes from our partnerships in the region—and our partnership with Vietnam is vital,” said Ambassador Bird.
“General Secretary Lam is a long and valued friend of Australia, and I look forward to working closely on our shared priorities and to deepening the cooperation between our countries.”
Ambassador Bird congratulated General Secretary Lam on his ambitious reform agenda including streamlining the administrative system across the country and focusing on the “four pillars” to facilitate Vietnam’s economic growth.
The relationship between Australia and Vietnam was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, bringing new momentum to our cooperation, underpinned by strong economic and trade links.
Australia is supporting Vietnam’s ambitious agenda, including through development assistance, increased to AUD 96.6 million in 2025-26, and practical initiatives to increase our economic engagement.
Ambassador Bird took up her role in Vietnam after serving as Australia’s Ambassador to France, and Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. As a senior official she focussed on Southeast Asia and was Australia’s first Ambassador to ASEAN.
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