Science and Technology: A ‘Common Language’ in Vietnam’s High-Level Diplomacy

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung noted in a press briefing following the visits that the mission achieved both political depth and strategic openness. Proposing new drivers of bilateral relations—spanning science and technology, innovation, education, human resources, trade, investment, green transition, critical minerals, high-tech agriculture, and the maritime economy—the Vietnamese leader secured strong consensus from counterparts in both nations.

A concrete outcome was the signing of 62 cooperation documents and agreements across both legs of the journey. In particular, three joint statements between Vietnam and Australia established strategic directions and practical cooperation frameworks for a new era.

Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that this is the first time Vietnam and a partner nation have issued a joint statement dedicated to strengthening ties in science, technology, and innovation. This milestone establishes a new paradigm for Vietnam’s bilateral partnerships. The model goes beyond basic collaboration, focusing on mutual connectivity, complementary strengths, shared creation, and new growth drivers. It marks a shift from technology transfer to co-development in science, innovation, rare mineral extraction, renewable energy, high-tech farming, and skilled human resources.

General Secretary and President To Lam and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese exchange joint statements on August 11. (Photo: VNA)

Another major outcome was placing economic cooperation within a broader vision. The visits focused not only on expanding trade and investment, but also on enhancing supply chain connectivity, facilitating business operations, and capitalizing on economic complementarities.

With Australia, both sides accelerated collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital transformation, critical minerals, energy transition, and workforce training. With New Zealand, the focus centered on leveraging complementary core strengths, particularly in education, high-tech agriculture, and sustainable development.

To ensure the effective implementation of signed frameworks, General Secretary and President To Lam provided direct guidance during the trip. The leaders reached a high degree of consensus on establishing intergovernmental mechanisms and deepening ties among business associations and enterprises.

General Secretary and President To Lam and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland on August 13. (Photo: VNA)

At the 33rd Diplomatic Conference on August 1, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that science and technology diplomacy must become a core, routine mission. It is no longer an optional or secondary component in high-level foreign relations. Key priorities include building technology partner networks, connecting research institutes, universities, and businesses, monitoring emerging global standards, and acquiring relevant global knowledge.

The recent state visits demonstrated this strategic shift in action. In Sydney, the TechConnect Forum connected governments, enterprises, universities, and research institutes, laying the foundation for joint research and shared value creation. Minister Le Hoai Trung noted that this initiative aligns the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership more closely with future growth drivers.

In New Zealand, events such as the Vietnam-New Zealand Education Forum and new bilateral pacts expanded networks among policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions, while opening market access for agricultural products, smart farming, climate adaptation, and green industries.

Across Vietnam’s high-level diplomatic engagements since early 2026, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation has emerged as a central theme. From the United States, China, and India to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, nearly every working visit led by General Secretary and President To Lam has highlighted digital transformation and technological innovation.

This progression shows a clear trajectory: science and technology have evolved from standard talking points into recognized pillars and primary engines of bilateral relations. The domain is now a pillar with Australia, a new growth driver with India, and a core focus with China and Singapore.

General Secretary and President To Lam and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon witness the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents. (Photo: VNA)

These high-level foreign engagements closely align with Vietnam’s domestic development goals. Vietnam is restructuring its growth model around science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, the green transition, and high-quality human capital.

Australia and New Zealand were chosen not only as Comprehensive Strategic Partners, but also because their strengths directly complement Vietnam’s developmental needs. The visits mobilized vital external resources and expanded development opportunities for the country.

Ultimately, these developments reflect a modernized approach to foreign affairs that prioritizes practical, substantive results within friendly, strategic partnerships. The trip underscored the value of head-of-state diplomacy in providing strategic direction, creating momentum, and elevating long-term cooperation between Vietnam and its global partners.