Australia and Vietnam have agreed to bolster defence and security cooperation to support our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued the Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, reinforcing cooperation on shared priorities including defence and security.
As part of the visit, the two countries announced new practical measures to strengthen defence and security cooperation.
Australia and Vietnam’s Ministers for Defence agreed to an updated Joint Vision Statement on Defence Cooperation to support closer exchanges, including across maritime security and disaster relief.
Australian and Vietnamese defence forces will work more closely together, including by sharing expertise on search and rescue operations and participating in joint training.
Respective border agencies signed memoranda of understanding for further work together to combat transnational crime, strengthen border protection and enhance maritime cooperation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Australia and Vietnam are close partners and we are both committed to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“These new agreements deliver practical cooperation between our countries and help ensure we can meet the challenges of an increasingly complex strategic environment.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
“Vietnam is an important defence partner for Australia, and we are committed to deepening cooperation in ways that directly contribute to the stability and security of our region.
“By expanding practical cooperation across areas such as maritime security, search and rescue, disaster relief and training, we are building stronger capabilities and closer ties between our two defence forces.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
“Australia and Vietnam are strengthening our defence and security ties as result of the growing strategic trust under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“We both share a commitment to a region where countries can make their own decisions, sovereignty is respected, and disputes can be managed peacefully.”
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke:
“The threats we’re facing today do not stop at national borders. If cyber criminals and organised crime gangs are going to function on a transnational basis, then our response needs to be transnational as well.
“One country alone can’t deal with these growing threats. Strong cooperation with trusted partners is essential to keep our communities safe.”