Two Australian citizens sentenced to death in Vietnam have secured clemency from the authorities thanks to improved bilateral diplomatic relations, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, as he wrapped up an official visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

“There was substantial progress with the granting of clemency just yesterday (…) Australia welcomes the development,” Mr Albanese told ABC television.

“We perform on behalf of Australian citizens. And we are very pleased that Vietnam agreed to the request [να επιδειχθεί επιείκεια] and thank you,” he added.

He noted that he would not reveal the names of these people at their request to protect their privacy. Their families have been informed, he said.

Mr Albanese traveled to Vietnam at the weekend, where he held talks with his counterpart Pham Minh Chinh. His visit, he assured, gave “an impetus” to achieve “this result”.

The Australian government also acted on behalf of 73-year-old Chau Van Ham, who has dual Vietnamese and Australian citizenship and was sentenced in 2019 to serve 12 years in prison for “terrorism”.

“It is a separate case. We are seeking his transfer [στην Αυστραλία] and we have hopes. We will continue the work,” said the Australian prime minister.