To Lam concludes state visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral ties

To Lam Vietnam-New Zealand relations Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Auckland state visit bilateral trade

Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam concluded a state visit to New Zealand in Auckland, marking a significant step in the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2025. The visit included a traditional Maori welcome ceremony led by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and high-level discussions with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Key outcomes of the visit include the exchange of multiple cooperation documents focusing on defense, maritime security, and cybersecurity. Both nations agreed to strengthen political trust and increase high-level exchanges. Economic cooperation remains a priority, with leaders aiming to reach a bilateral trade target of US$3 billion. Discussions emphasized expanding collaboration in high-tech agriculture, biotechnology, green economy, and education.

A business roundtable and an education forum were held to facilitate practical connections between the two countries' private sectors and academic institutions. Additionally, the visit highlighted the role of the approximately 15,000-strong Vietnamese community in New Zealand as a bridge for bilateral ties.

Entities

Anthony Albanese · Australia · Christopher Luxon · Cindy Kiro · Dame Cindy Kiro · Le Minh Hung · New Zealand · Phan Văn Giang · Richard Marles · Singapore · To Lam · Todd McClay

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Vietnam and New Zealand are expanding cooperation in smart agriculture, climate change adaptation, and carbon markets. thanhnien.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] Vietnam and Australia issued a joint declaration to strengthen connections in science, technology, and innovation.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Vietnam and Australia are targeting bilateral trade of US$20 billion.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Vietnam and Australia exchanged seven cooperation documents during the state visit.
[● 3 SOURCES] To Lam arrived in Auckland to begin a state visit to New Zealand from August 12 to 14, 2026. thanhnien.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] Vietnam and Australia signed an updated Joint Vision Statement to promote defense cooperation.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Australia and Vietnam are targeting bilateral trade of US$20 billion.
[● 2 SOURCES] To Lam met with the Acting President of the New Zealand-Vietnam Friendship Association, Steven Joyce, in Auckland.
[● 2 SOURCES] To Lam urged overseas Vietnamese to maintain solidarity and preserve national pride and cultural traditions. news.tuoitre.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] Vietnam plans to establish a Vietnam-New Zealand Friendship Association to partner with the New Zealand-based association.
[● 3 SOURCES] To Lam described overseas Vietnamese as “ambassadors” who help promote Vietnam's positive image internationally. news.tuoitre.vn · www.telesurtv.net
[● 6 SOURCES] To Lam arrived in Auckland on August 12, 2026, for a state visit to New Zealand scheduled from August 12 to 14. thanhnien.vn · tienphong.vn · vietnamembassy-newzealand.org · es.vietnamplus.vn