Visit to Vietnam and Malaysia

Tomorrow I will depart for a visit to Vietnam and Malaysia, my second trip to Southeast Asia since becoming Foreign Minister one month ago.

Australia's future is tied to the future of Southeast Asia, a region we share.

It's more than geography that binds us - we have genuine links in Vietnam and Malaysia: family, business, education and tourism.

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

It's important we work closely together to capitalise on shared economic opportunities, strengthen regional security, and address climate change.

In Vietnam I will meet with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn.

Ahead of next year's 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, our discussions will focus on climate change cooperation, our shared trade and investment ambitions and Australia's continued support for Vietnam's COVID-19 recovery.

On the 28th, I will travel onto Malaysia, where I look forward to meeting Minister for Foreign Affairs Dato' Sri Saifuddin bin Abdullah, as well as Defence Minister Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Minister for International Trade and Industry, Dato' Seri Azmin Ali.

I will reaffirm our commitment as Comprehensive Strategic Partners and discuss economic recovery, climate action, education ties and health security.

I will also travel to Sabah. It's a region with longstanding ties to Australia, and it's the region where I am from. 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.