Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receives Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023. (File photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

In its statement, the Department acknowledged that the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership would not have been possible without the personal support and leadership of the General Secretary, saying that this milestone reflected the two countries’ ambitious agenda regarding climate change and sustainability, digital transformation and innovation, national defence and security; economy, trade, and education as well.

The statement also highlighted Mr. Trong's warmth and sincerity toward Australia-Vietnam ties. Australia had the honour of receiving the leader during his visit in 2008 when he was Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly.

His hospitality was reciprocated in 2023 when he warmly welcomed Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Vietnam, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Australia and Vietnam have enjoyed a long-standing partnership over more than five decades, built on mutual trust and respect, people-to-people connections, and a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The leadership and contributions of General Secretary Trong to the bilateral relationship will underpin their strongly growing comprehensive strategic partnership in the future, it concluded.