Reciprocal port visits between Australia and Vietnam have been conducted for the first time.

From March 28 to April 1, HMAS Toowoomba conducted a port visit to Da Nang in Vietnam as part of its regional presence deployment.

The visit occurred shortly after Vietnam People’s Navy ship Quang Trung’s visit to Sydney Harbour to participate in the Royal Australian Navy’s Kakadu Fleet Review in March.

The reciprocal visit signified the deepening defence relationship between Australia and Vietnam.

A Royal Australian Navy delegation, led by Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison, was warmly welcomed in the Grand Hall of the Da Nang People’s Committee, marking a historic milestone in naval cooperation.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Thi Chi Cuong said he appreciated the significance of Toowoomba’s historic visit in strengthening the nations’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“I welcome the officers and sailors of HMAS Toowoomba. You will be a bridge between our countries and act as ambassadors representing Da Nang when you return to Australia,” Mr Cuong said. 

Following the landmark meeting, the Royal Australian Navy delegation was received by the Vietnam People’s Navy Naval Region Three for an official banquet.

'This visit is about strengthening ties and building trust between sailors and officers at every level.'

Naval Region Three Deputy Commander Senior Captain Nguyen Dang Thanh spoke of the upcoming joint training exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy in the South China Sea.

“This is a great opportunity to share our experience and build mutual trust in a beneficial way,” Senior Captain Nguyen Dang Thanh said.

Commander Harrison said she was grateful to the people of Da Nang for the openness and hospitality bestowed on Toowoomba’s crew.

“We have been overwhelmed by the genuine warmth and sincere camaraderie extolled by the people of Da Nang and our Vietnamese People’s Navy colleagues. Their openness and generosity have formed a foundation for an even closer future,” she said.

Commander Harrison added that her ship’s visit to Vietnam demonstrated Australia’s commitment to maintaining its status as a trustworthy and transparent security partner.

“Port visits build future cooperation by fostering personal and professional ties between sailors and officers. This visit is about strengthening ties and building trust between sailors and officers at every level,” Commander Harrison said.

Toowoomba’s visit highlights Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting a stable, secure and prosperous Indo‑Pacific region, and to strengthening defence ties with important regional partners such as Vietnam.