President Luong Cuong on September 10 hosted a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi for Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her husband Simeon Beckett, who are paying a state visit to Vietnam from September 9 to 12.
The visit comes after Vietnam and Australia upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, underscoring both countries’ commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation across all sectors.
Following the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Australia, the two leaders reviewed the guard of honour before proceeding to official talks.
Governor-General Mostyn’s visit reflects Australia’s consistent policy of prioritising relations with Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam.
Born in 1965, Samantha Joy Mostyn is a former business executive and activist. She has served as Australia’s 28th governor-general since July 1, 2024.
During their discussions, President Luong Cuong and Governor-General Mostyn affirmed the importance of bilateral trade, with Australia currently Vietnam’s seventh-largest trading partner, while Vietnam ranks as Australia’s tenth. Bilateral trade reached more than USD 14 billion in 2024, with both sides expanding market access for agricultural products.
Alongside talks with President Luong Cuong, Governor-General Mostyn is scheduled to meet other senior Party and State leaders, visit the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, attend the Vietnam-Australia Forum 2025, take part in the inauguration of the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute, and hold engagements in Ho Chi Minh City.