Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong Heads to Vietnam, Malaysia

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong (L) walking towards her car at the Henderson International Airport in Solomon Islands capital city Honiara on June 17, 2022. (JULIA WHITWELL/Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong will embark on a visit to Vietnam and Malaysia, her second trip to Southeast Asia since being sworn in.

Senator Wong will fly out on Sunday as the federal government continues strengthening ties with Australia’s Asia-Pacific neighbours.

“It’s more than geography that binds us—we have genuine links in Vietnam and Malaysia—family, business, education and tourism,” Wong said in a statement.

“My visit seeks to deepen these ties, building on our existing partnerships for the benefit of our countries and the region.”

In Vietnam, Senator Wong will meet with Vietnam’s president, prime minister and foreign minister ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Discussions will focus on climate change cooperation, trade and investment, and Australia’s continued support for Vietnam’s COVID-19 recovery.

She will then meet Malaysian ministers on economic recovery, climate action, education ties and health security issues.

The Malaysian-born senator will return to her former home of Sabah, on Borneo island.

“Having spent my early years in Kota Kinabalu, I look forward to the great honour of returning to the city as Australia’s Foreign Minister.”