General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam is scheduled to conduct state visits to Australia and New Zealand from August 9 to 14. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the upcoming trip, which follows months of speculation. While the exact itinerary remains undisclosed, official sources from both host nations have provided key details regarding the leader's schedule.
To Lam is expected to be in Australia from August 9 to 12. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that he will host the Vietnamese leader on August 11 to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation. Albanese noted that the relationship is built on strategic trust and mutual interests, expressing his anticipation for the visit. This trip marks Lam's first visit to Australia since assuming the presidency in April. The visit aims to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in March 2024, which elevated Australia to the highest tier of Vietnam's diplomatic hierarchy. According to reports, the two nations may sign between 12 and 16 agreements covering sectors such as education, digital transformation, agriculture, and healthcare. Vietnam's Ambassador to Australia, Pham Hung Tam, stated that the visit is intended to consolidate political trust and provide momentum for their partnership.
Following his time in Australia, Lam will travel to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on August 12 and departing the following day. This visit represents the first by a Vietnamese president to the country since 2007. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who oversees a relationship also upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year, highlighted the importance of Vietnam to New Zealand's economic future. Officials in Wellington expect to finalize five or six agreements during the visit, focusing on areas including food and fiber, education, tourism, technology, aviation, and investment.
These diplomatic engagements occur as Vietnam pursues an omnivorous foreign policy, balancing relationships with major global powers amid concerns over regional maritime security. Since becoming CPV general secretary in August 2024, To Lam has maintained an extensive travel schedule, visiting countries including China, Russia, the U.S., France, and several regional partners. His administration has been instrumental in establishing numerous Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, reflecting Hanoi's desire to maintain diverse international alliances despite global geopolitical uncertainties.
To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and president of Vietnam, delivers a keynote address at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, May 29, 2026.
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