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Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

President Luong Cuong: thank you for hosting us so magnificently.

And thank you to the Government and people of Vietnam for your generous hospitality and warm welcome.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence, celebrated on 2 September, and on your 50th anniversary of reunification on 30 April.

I am seeing firsthand the strength, vitality and progress of modern Vietnam, and I am proud to represent Australia here, as one of Vietnam’s best friends.

This is my first official visit to Vietnam as Governor-General.

My special ao dai that I am wearing was a gift from His Excellency Tam. Designed by his wife, it symbolises our national flag, and wattle, our national floral emblem.

But my first personal visit here took place over 30 years ago, when I travelled around the country as a young woman.

Today, Australia’s security, stability, and prosperity are deeply connected to our region—and Vietnam is at the forefront of those relationships.

Our partnership is anchored in strategic trust and understanding and regional cooperation, including through ASEAN.

Australia is a steadfast, reliable, and trusted partner in Vietnam’s journey toward its goal of achieving high-income status by 2045.

The upgrade of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in March 2024 by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Chinh was a historic milestone, reflecting the depth of our strategic trust and shared ambition.

Our two-way trade is growing, and Australian companies are deepening their investment in Vietnam.

Just last month National Australia Bank launched its second Innovation Centre in Vietnam – here in Hanoi – harnessing local talent to develop digital solutions.

This means better services for Australian customers, and hands-on support for Vietnam’s digital journey.

We work together on climate action, to achieve our net zero commitments, and ensure sustainable economic development.

Education is right at the centre of our partnership.

There have been more than 7,000 Australia Awards scholars since 1974.

Today there are 33,000 Vietnamese students studying in Australia, plus 17,000 students studying Australian qualifications here in Vietnam.

There are also more than 300 teaching partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese universities; and more than 160,000 Vietnamese alumni of Australian institutions.

Twenty-five years ago, RMIT was the first foreign university to have a campus in Vietnam. We are encouraging Australian education providers to increase their presence in Vietnam and the region.

Education is a tried and trusted path to a better future, and just one of many ways in which Australia and Vietnam are building a better future together.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses with me in celebration:

· To the health of President Luong Cuong;

· To the success and prosperity of the Vietnamese people;

· To the enduring friendship and partnership between Australia and Vietnam.