Australia PM begins two-day Vietnam visit

Albanese came to the capital after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 in Singapore. He will be in Vietnam from Saturday to Sunday, meet with high-ranking leaders to discuss measures to bolster commerce, investment and education, as well as expanding cooperation regarding the climate, energy and the environment.

This is Albanese's first visit to Vietnam since he assumed the position of prime minister in May 2022. The visit happened as Vietnam and Australia commemorate their 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973, before upgrading the relationship to a strategic partnership in March 2018. Economic and commercial cooperation is considered a highlight in their relations.

Australia has also deployed the Aus4Skills program, where over $141 million has been spent to support Vietnam with education and training, among other purposes.