Welcoming Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan to Vietnam to attend the annual dialogue with leaders of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the 2026 ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen emphasized that the events provided an important opportunity for senior regional leaders to discuss strategic issues facing ASEAN, and put forward new initiatives aimed at building a more united and resilient ASEAN Community.
Overview of the meeting.
Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen affirmed that Vietnam and Australia are experiencing the most dynamic period of development in their relations since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, with cooperation ranging from politics-diplomacy and economy-trade to education and training, contributing to the benefits of the two nations.
In particular, cooperation in security and law enforcement has been significantly strengthened following the establishment of the Ministerial-level Security Dialogue mechanism in October 2024.
Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen and Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan.
Since then, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and Australian law enforcement agencies have increased exchanges of delegations at all levels, actively shared information and assessments on strategic issues related to national security and national interests of each country, and strengthened cooperation in combating transnational crimes involving citizens and organizations of each country.
Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen noted that, since the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber and Critical Technology Issues in August 2025, both sides have actively expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, capacity-building as well as in the fight against cybercrime.
Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen and Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan discuss bilateral cooperation.
To further enhance cooperation between the two countries in general and between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and relevant Australian agencies in particular, Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen proposed that Australia continue to effectively implement the Action Plan for the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, support Vietnam’s role at multilateral forums, particularly provide technical assistance for Vietnam to make preparations for APEC 2027, while contributing actively to regional peace, stability and security, especially maritime and aviation security.
He also called for stronger cooperation and support for Vietnam in the fields of defense and security, particularly Australia’s support for the Vietnamese side in training, capacity-building and the deployment of Vietnamese military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
He further suggested that the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continue joining efforts with the Vietnamese side to effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber and Critical Technology Issues, enhance cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in combating serious, organized and transnational crime and support Vietnam in handling requests related to extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons.
Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen presents Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan with souvenirs.
In addition, Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen proposed expanding cooperation in education and training for high-quality human resources, as well as strategic cooperation in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, including support for the development of financial centers, a digital economy and a green economy in Vietnam.
On behalf of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade delegation, Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan thanked Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen for receiving the delegation and expressed her admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic achievements in recent years.
Delegates join group photo.
Affirming that the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership still holds significant untapped potential for cooperation, Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan emphasized Australia’s desire to further deepen and expand bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the two nations as well as for regional stability and development.
