Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and wife begin visit to Vietnam

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and his wife arrived in Hanoi at midday on Sept. 4, beginning the Myanmar leader’s first official visit to Vietnam. The visit, which runs through Sept. 6, came at the invitation of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and his wife.

Myanmar has presented the trip as part of its international integration efforts after holding a general election in January 2026 and forming a new government three months later. The country has identified domestic political stability and international engagement as its two main priorities, and has pursued a series of high-level contacts with neighboring Southeast Asian states, major partners and traditional allies since the start of the year.

Vietnam and Myanmar share long-standing ties, with similarities in culture and history, including traditions of struggle for national independence. Myanmar’s major political parties have praised Vietnam’s position and approach toward Myanmar and expressed interest in strengthening relations.

At a meeting with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung in Naypyidaw on Aug. 26, Min Aung Hlaing thanked Vietnam for its consistent support for Myanmar’s development and nation-building efforts, as well as at ASEAN and other regional and international forums.

Trade between the two countries reached $336 million in the first six months of 2026, up 26% from the same period in 2025. The two sides have agreed to hold the 11th meeting of their joint trade committee soon, with the aim of resolving obstacles and working toward $1 billion in bilateral trade. Vietnamese companies also have 107 active investment projects in Myanmar, with registered capital exceeding $1.4 billion.

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Vietnam has consistently regarded Myanmar as a member of ASEAN, and the Five-Point Consensus is an important framework for ASEAN to continue supporting Myanmar.