Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong speaks to the press. (Photo: Viet Duc/VNA)
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Accepting the invitation of Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong paid an official visit to Vietnam and co-chaired the 7th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from August 19-21, 2025.
On this occasion, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong granted an interview to the Vietnamese press, sharing insightful views on the bilateral relationship and future cooperation prospects between Vietnam and Australia. She affirmed that Australia attaches great importance to enhancing comprehensive cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, considering Vietnam a particularly important partner and a leading country in the region.
– Minister, what are the notable achievements of the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership in the past year?
Minister Penny Wong: I am delighted to be part of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and we were honored to host Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Australia last March. I believe we have accomplished over 90% of the set goals and plans, which is a testament to the significance of our bilateral relationship.
Australia is currently among Vietnam’s top ten trading partners, and we will continue to collaborate with you on key priorities as you strive towards the goal of becoming a high-income country, as set by your leaders.
For instance, we have just concluded the first transaction in a significant trade deal with VPBank, along with partners from the UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia. This is a $350 million credit facility, demonstrating the investments we are jointly pursuing.
– Minister, how does Australia assess Vietnam’s role and contributions to the region, especially within ASEAN and other multilateral cooperation mechanisms?
Minister Penny Wong: Vietnam is an important member of the region. Vietnam has a long history of understanding the significance of national sovereignty, and I would like to congratulate you on your 80th National Day. Vietnam has always been conscious of protecting its sovereignty and has brought this spirit of leadership and understanding to its role in ASEAN.
We acknowledge and congratulate Vietnam on its 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN, a very important milestone. Throughout this time, we have worked very closely with Vietnam.
Vietnam understands the importance of international rules and norms, such as international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and other standards to ensure that nations like Australia and Vietnam—we are important countries but not superpowers—can rely on these laws and norms to safeguard our sovereignty.
– In Vietnam’s new era, how can Australia provide support in key economic areas that Vietnam is promoting, such as the digital economy, green economy, and sustainable development?
Minister Penny Wong: First of all, ASEAN is projected to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2040, and Vietnam is an essential part of this process. So, when we think about cooperating with you, we see Vietnam as a dynamic economy within a dynamic region, and Australia wants to be a partner in this development—benefitting both our countries and the entire region.
We have developed a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to enhance Australia’s economic engagement with the region, including Vietnam.
The investment I mentioned earlier will be used to finance sustainable infrastructure and social projects—one of the key focuses of this investment.
I also understand that the National Australia Bank has made additional new investments in Vietnam.
Since you mentioned sustainability and the Mekong issue, today I would like to announce—within the framework of the meeting between leaders and foreign ministers—an additional package of AUD 50 million to implement six new activities and expand climate resilience and water security for the Mekong countries.
This is part of a larger Mekong support package that we are implementing. Australia will also provide an additional 30 Australia Awards scholarships for Mekong countries.
I want to emphasize the Mekong because you mentioned sustainable development, and we are very conscious that this is incredibly important for the security and sustainable development of not just Vietnam but all Mekong countries.
– Minister, how do you assess the role of people-to-people, cultural, educational, scientific, and technological exchanges in strengthening Vietnam-Australia relations in the long run?
Minister Penny Wong: Currently, there are about 37,000 Vietnamese students studying in Australia. At the same time, approximately 17,000 students in Vietnam are enrolled in programs offering Australian qualifications.
I believe that over 160,000 Vietnamese have chosen Australia as their educational destination in recent years. This is indeed a very important aspect of our bilateral relationship.
I have a deep interest in this field because my father was a Colombo Plan scholar from Malaysia to Australia. So, in my family, I have seen firsthand the meaning of education and how a relationship built on a shared learning experience can create a decades-long bond.
Additionally, we have a large Vietnamese community in Australia. They proudly embrace their culture, and I think they have brought a broader understanding of Vietnam’s rich culture and history to Australian society.
– Minister, how do you evaluate the cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries recently?
Minister Penny Wong: I deeply value the collaboration with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. As I mentioned, this is our eighth meeting.
Strategically, Australia and Vietnam have a high degree of consensus. Both countries desire peace, stability, and prosperity, and we are working together to achieve these goals.
– On the occasion of this visit and towards the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, what message would you like to convey to the people of Vietnam?
Minister Penny Wong: First and foremost, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the people and Government of Vietnam on the occasion of your 80th National Day.
I also want to express my deep respect for what we see in Vietnam’s history—the achievements, resilience, determination, and patriotism.
You have always understood the importance of defending your country and safeguarding your sovereignty—this is an essential part of your national identity and also a precious gift to the region.
So, we offer our sincerest congratulations. I want to emphasize that reflecting on our shared past and recognizing how far we have come, as well as building a strong friendship and partnership as we have today, is incredibly important. We understand our history, but we also understand who we are to each other today: we are friends.
– Thank you, Minister!
Viet Duc
– 19:44 20/08/2025
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