Myanmar's leader has commenced a visit to Vietnam, engaging in discussions focused on defense and telecommunications

Myanmar’s leader has commenced a visit to Vietnam, engaging in discussions centered on defense and telecommunications, with the aim of enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Myanmar’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, arrived in Vietnam on Friday for a three-day official visit, which includes meetings with executives from prominent telecommunications, defense, and automobile companies.

The visit marks his seventh overseas trip as he aims to enhance Myanmar’s regional connections and achieve broader international recognition following the 2021 military coup.

Myanmar has experienced increasing diplomatic isolation since the takeover, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has barred the country’s political representatives from significant summits due to the military government’s lack of progress on the bloc’s peace initiative.

On the first day of his visit, Min Aung Hlaing is anticipated to engage in discussions with senior officials from Viettel, a telecommunications and defense company in Vietnam that is managed by the nation's defense ministry.

Viettel is currently offering telecommunications services in Myanmar, and its defense division is engaged in the development of drones and various military equipment. Discussions could thus center on the company’s current operations along with possible avenues for defense collaboration.

Representatives from Myanmar’s embassy in Vietnam, Viettel, and the Vietnamese government have not yet provided comments regarding the anticipated meetings.


Min Aung Hlaing is anticipated to visit a VinFast electric vehicle manufacturing facility located in northern Vietnam. The Vietnamese automaker has been broadening its reach throughout Asia and has set up assembly operations in nations such as Indonesia and India.

Vietnam’s ambassador to Myanmar, Nguyen Anh Duc, stated prior to the visit that the two nations ought to enhance their political and economic collaboration.

He pinpointed telecommunications, electric vehicle production, agriculture, and essential consumer products as sectors with the potential for enhanced bilateral relations.

Myanmar state media reported that Min Aung Hlaing is set to meet with Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, and will take part in a business forum during the visit.

The two countries are anticipated to finalize multiple non-binding cooperation agreements, including initiatives focused on crime prevention and investment promotion.