# Vietnam's ASEAN outreach and expanded global diplomacy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnams-asean-diplomatic-outreach-2026 > Updated: 2026-08-07T16:49:32.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4. In late July 2026, Vietnam focused on regional integration and legislative reform. Cambodian National Assembly President Kun So Da Li visited Hanoi to enhance parliamentary diplomacy, coinciding with a review of nine military and defense laws by Vietnam's National Assembly. Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong outlined concrete actions for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, including digital transformation, green initiatives, and food and energy security. On August 4, President and General Secretary To Lam hosted ASEAN ambassadors to mark the bloc's 59th anniversary and Vietnam's 31st year of membership. He urged deeper cooperation and reaffirmed Vietnam's principles of independence and multilateral diversification. Vietnam's foreign policy continues to emphasize "party diplomacy" through engagements with Singapore, Thailand, and Laos, as well as strategic technology cooperation with the United States. On August 7, President To Lam departed Hanoi to begin a state visit to Australia and New Zealand, scheduled from August 9 to 14, 2026. Following invitations from Governors-General Sam Mostyn and Cindy Kiro, the mission aims to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with both nations. In Australia, discussions are expected to focus on science, technology, and innovation, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy. The visit to New Zealand marks the first state visit to the country by a Vietnamese General Secretary and President, targeting cooperation in high-value agriculture, green growth, and education to support Vietnam's economic development model. During the Australian leg of the visit, efforts are focused on building upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in March 2024. Key objectives include deepening ties in automation, smart manufacturing, and the Tech Connect Forum. Economic relations are supported by bilateral trade exceeding 14 billion USD, with Vietnam serving as a major partner for Australian energy security and maintaining significant educational links through tens of thousands of Vietnamese students studying in Australia. ## Claims - General Secretary and President To Lam will conduct a state visit to Australia and New Zealand from August 9 to 14, 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Australia held above 14 billion USD during 2024–2025. (corroborated by 6 sources) - This is the first time a General Secretary and President of Vietnam has conducted a state visit to New Zealand. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The visit aims to link high-level diplomacy with concrete cooperation in economy, technology, education, and human resources. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Science, technology, and innovation are expected to become new pillars of the Vietnam-Australia relationship. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vietnam and Australia are aiming to push bilateral trade to 20 billion USD. (corroborated by 2 sources) - By the end of July, total registered Australian investment in Vietnam topped 2 billion USD. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vietnam’s exports to Australia jumped to around 6.8 billion USD in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Potential areas of cooperation include AI, semiconductors, automation, smart manufacturing, and clean energy. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: To Lam begins state visit to Australia and New Zealand Vietnamese leader To Lam is conducting a state visit to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, technology, and science cooperation. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-president-to-lams-state-visit-to-australia-deepens-comprehensive-strategic-partnership ### 2026-08-05: Vietnam's Party Diplomacy Bolsters Foreign Relations and Partnerships Vietnam’s party diplomacy, led by Vice‑minister Nguyen Manh Cuong, is expanding strategic ties with Singapore, the US, Thailand and Laos, while President To Lam urges stronger ASEAN solidarity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnams-party-diplomacy-bolsters-foreign-relations-and-partnerships ### 2026-08-04: Vietnam President To Lam Hosts ASEAN Ambassadors, Calls for United Community Vietnam President To Lam hosted ASEAN ambassadors in Hanoi on 4 Aug 2026, praising regional cooperation and urging unity toward the ASEAN Community 2045. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-president-to-lam-meets-asean-ambassadors-in-hanoi ### 2026-07-27: Vietnam drives ASEAN Community Vision 2045 amid diplomatic visits Cambodian parliamentary leader visits Hanoi as Vietnam is praised for leading ASEAN Vision 2045, legal reforms, and regional cooperation initiatives. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-drives-asean-community-vision-2045-amid-diplomatic-visits --- Cite as: Vietnam's ASEAN outreach and expanded global diplomacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnams-asean-diplomatic-outreach-2026