Mostyn visit strengthens Vietnam–Australia ties

THE HANOI TIMES — Calling Vietnam “one of Australia’s closest friends,” Governor-General Sam Mostyn spotlighted education, innovation and green growth as the pillars of a partnership rooted in strategic trust and shared ambition.

The view was shared during the meetings with Vietnamese top leaders as Governor-General Sam Mostyn began her state visit to Vietnam on September 9-12, where she was warmly received at an official ceremony in Hanoi.

Her visit marks a milestone following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.

At her reception with General Secretary To Lam on September 10, Mostyn affirmed Australia’s admiration for Vietnam’s cultural heritage, resilience and forward momentum.

The two reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in politics, economy, science and technology – vital components of the strategic partnership.

At a state banquet hosted by President Luong Cuong, Mostyn spoke about the flourishing ties between the two countries. She stated that Australia remains a steadfast, reliable and trusted partner in supporting Vietnam’s aspiration to become a high-income nation by 2045.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a working session where both sides affirmed six priority areas, including trade and investment, education, innovation, climate resilience, digital transformation and defence-security links.

Australia highlighted its active support for Vietnam’s UN peacekeeping missions, signaling plans to deepen security cooperation through a formal Peacekeeping Partnership.

Innovation is one of the key pillars of bilateral relations with the inauguration of Australia’s Innovation Center, led by the National Australia Bank. This hub serves as a platform for harnessing local talent, advancing digital solutions and supporting Vietnam’s modernization journey.

Education, described by Mostyn as a “tried and trusted pathway to a better future”, continues to shape people-to-people links.

She said that more than 7,000 scholars have studied in Australia under the Australia Awards program since 1974. Today, approximately 33,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Australia, with another 17,000 pursuing Australian qualifications in Vietnam.

There are also more than 300 teaching partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese universities, and more than 160,000 Vietnamese alumni of Australian institutions.

Institutions such as RMIT Vietnam were cited as pioneering investments in education. RMIT was the first foreign university to open a campus in Vietnam.

Climate action was also covered in the discussions. Both sides pledged to align toward net-zero emissions and sustainable growth. Mostyn reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working with Vietnam on clean energy initiatives, green infrastructure, and resilient development.

Bilateral trade continues to surge. Australia is Vietnam’s 7th largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching US$14.1 billion in 2024 and US$7.9 billion in the first seven months of 2025. Australia also remains a major ODA provider, pledging a record $64 million for 2025–2026.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been enhanced with a landmark ministerial-level Security Dialogue, expanded peacekeeping cooperation and a significant uptick in tourism – about 500,000 Australians visited Vietnam in 2024.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn’s visit sends a powerful message that Australia views Vietnam as central to its regional diplomacy, ready to partner closely in building a prosperous, stable and innovative Indo-Pacific region.