Vietnam and Myanmar agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation during President Min Aung Hlaing’s first official visit to Hanoi, elevating the sector to a central pillar of their bilateral relationship. Vietnamese leader To Lam hosted the talks on Saturday, with both sides pledging closer collaboration in military training, officer exchanges, disaster response and crime prevention. They also reaffirmed a commitment not to allow their territories to be used for activities against one another. The visit marks a significant step in Myanmar’s diplomatic outreach as Min Aung Hlaing seeks to rebuild regional ties after years of isolation following his 2021 coup. Since becoming president in April, he has toured several countries in Asia and beyond, aiming to attract investment and restore legitimacy. Economic cooperation featured prominently, with opportunities identified in high‑tech agriculture, food processing, telecommunications, energy and transport infrastructure. Min Aung Hlaing toured VinFast’s electric vehicle plant and telecoms giant Viettel, underscoring Myanmar’s interest in Vietnam’s technology and industrial expertise. Trade between the two nations has weakened in recent years, falling from $853 million in 2020 to $335 million in the first half of 2026. Both sides pledged to reverse the decline and strengthen political trust through more high‑level exchanges. The leaders also vowed closer coordination within ASEAN and Mekong frameworks, reaffirming support for peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. For Myanmar, the Hanoi visit represents another attempt to shed pariah status and re‑establish trust in the region. For Vietnam, it offers a chance to reinforce ties with a neighbour whose internal conflict continues to shape Southeast Asia’s security landscape. -2026-09-06
