Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing to visit Vietnam this week

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Vietnam this week at the invitation of Vietnamese President To Lam, according to announcements from state media in both countries on Tuesday.

The three-day visit, scheduled for September 4 to 6, forms part of Myanmar's broader diplomatic offensive to rebuild relationships across Southeast Asia following the military takeover in February 2021. The trip underscores efforts by Naypyidaw to expand engagement with neighbouring nations and secure regional support.

The visit comes as Myanmar grapples with escalating internal conflict and humanitarian challenges in the wake of the coup. Vietnam, a fellow communist state and fellow ASEAN member, has maintained diplomatic channels with Myanmar's military leadership despite international criticism of the junta's rule.

Minister-level visits and state engagements between Myanmar and Vietnam have continued despite the military government's international isolation. The visit reflects ASEAN's policy of engagement with Myanmar, though several member states have limited high-level contacts with the junta.