In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Hà Nội on September 5. The leaders discussed enhancing their countries’ bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors. This meeting marked Min Aung Hlaing’s first official visit to Vietnam in his new role, and Hưng took the opportunity to express Vietnam’s support for Myanmar’s journey towards stability, reconciliation, dialogue, and economic growth.
Highlighting Vietnam’s socio-economic progress and its increasing influence both regionally and internationally, Min Aung Hlaing expressed keen interest in learning from Vietnam’s development trajectory. He emphasized Myanmar’s dedication to nurturing its longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam. Both leaders acknowledged the advancements in their bilateral relations and committed to fostering high-level exchanges and political trust. They also advocated for the revival of essential cooperation mechanisms in areas such as trade, security, and defense.
Defence and security collaboration emerged as a prospective cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The discussions included plans to intensify efforts to combat cross-border crime, cybercrime, online fraud, and drug trafficking. Additionally, the two countries aim to expand military training programs, exchange initiatives for young officers, and collaborate on addressing non-traditional security challenges.
Economic partnership was another focal point, with both countries agreeing to explore avenues to boost trade and modernize existing agreements related to trade, investment, and customs. Myanmar welcomed Vietnamese investments in sectors such as telecommunications, digital transformation, high-tech agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, irrigation, and infrastructure. The leaders also talked about enhancing infrastructure and air connectivity, with plans to resume direct flights and develop joint tourism initiatives, including spiritual and medical tourism.
On the regional front, Vietnam pledged to continue its collaboration with ASEAN members to maintain dialogue and constructive engagement with Myanmar. Both leaders underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, in adherence to international law. Additionally, Hưng extended an invitation to Min Aung Hlaing to attend the CLMV Summit and chair the ACMECS Summit in Hà Nội in November 2026. In return, Min Aung Hlaing invited Hưng to visit Myanmar at a mutually suitable time.