Anthony Albanese has inked a new statement bolstering security and economic ties with Vietnam in what he says will better guard Australia’s interests in an “uncertain” world.Vietnam has become a precious source of trade and energy security for Australia at a time when global supply chains are strained by war and tariffs.The value of two-way trade has doubled since 2020 and was worth $30bn in 2025, making the Southeast Asian country one of Australia’s fastest-growing trading partners.It is a top buyer for Australian coal, iron ore and aluminium as well as a major source of international students.Australia has in turn increasingly looked to Vietnam for fuel.“At a time when the world is becoming more uncertain, resilient supply chains matter more than ever,” the Prime Minister said in joint remarks on Tuesday.“Whether it’s food, energy or critical goods, both our countries have an interest in keeping trade open and reliable.“That is good for our economies, good for our security, and good for our region.”Standing alongside Mr Albanese, Vietnamese President To Lam described their talks as “very open and candid”.“First, we agree to further deepen political trust and strategic trust and foster a (comprehensive strategic partnership) that is sustainable and reliable, promotes the prosperity and resilience of each country and contributes to regional peace and stability,” he said.“We also agree to bolster co-operation in defence and security on the basis of international law and respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and legitimate interest.”Vietnam has longstanding territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.Canberra has regularly condemned Chinese military aggression in pursuing Beijing’s claims in the region and taken part in freedom of navigation exercises.Mr Lam and his delegation of more than a dozen ministers landed in Sydney on Sunday night, marking his second visit to Australia.He last visited as public security minister in 2016 – a role in which he spearheaded an anti-corruption crackdown that purged thousands of officials, including two presidents.He was appointed president in April in addition to his role as Vietnamese Communist Party general secretary.Since becoming general secretary in 2024, Mr Lam has ushered in an overhaul of the public sector, cutting eight ministry-level bodies, merging 63 provinces down to 34, and slashing more than 100,000 jobs by abolishing district-level government.His rise has spurred concern from analysts and academics who fear Vietnam has been saddled with an untouchable supreme leader backed by a powerful security apparatus.Read related topics:Anthony Albanese