In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng hosted Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Hà Nội on September 5. This marked Min Aung Hlaing’s inaugural visit to Vietnam in his capacity as president, and discussions primarily centered on enhancing the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister Hưng reiterated Vietnam’s backing of Myanmar’s journey towards stability, reconciliation, dialogue, and economic prosperity. Meanwhile, President Min Aung Hlaing lauded Vietnam for its socio-economic strides and burgeoning influence on the regional and global stage, expressing a keen interest in drawing from Vietnam’s development strategies.
The leaders, acknowledging the recent advancements in their bilateral ties, underscored the necessity to bolster high-level exchanges and political trust. They pledged to reinvigorate pivotal cooperation frameworks spanning trade, security, and defense. Notably, defense and security collaboration is poised to become a cornerstone of their partnership, with plans to intensify efforts against cross-border crime, cybercrime, online fraud, and drug trafficking. Additionally, the countries aim to enhance military training, facilitate exchanges among young officers, and work together on non-traditional security issues.
On the economic front, both nations are exploring avenues to amplify trade and modernize existing agreements related to trade, investment, and customs. Myanmar extended an invitation to Vietnamese investors, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, digital transformation, high-tech agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, irrigation, and infrastructure development. The leaders also deliberated on strengthening infrastructure and air connectivity, including the restoration of direct flights and the promotion of joint tourism ventures, such as spiritual and medical tourism initiatives.
Regarding regional dynamics, Vietnam pledged continued collaboration with ASEAN partners to maintain constructive dialogue with Myanmar. Both countries stood firm in their support for peaceful dispute resolution, adhering to international law. As part of their ongoing diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Hưng extended an invitation to President Min Aung Hlaing to participate in the CLMV Summit and to preside over the ACMECS Summit in Hà Nội scheduled for November 2026. In reciprocation, Min Aung Hlaing invited Prime Minister Hưng to visit Myanmar at a mutually agreeable time.