Myanmar President to Visit Vietnam, Seeking Closer Ties and International Reintegration

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing will make an official visit to Vietnam from September 4-6. This visit is seen as part of Myanmar's strategy to bolster its legitimacy and economic ties within ASEAN, amidst deepening international isolation following the 2021 military coup. This trip marks the seventh foreign visit for Min Aung Hlaing since assuming the presidency earlier this year. In Vietnam, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam, as well as meet with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. He is also expected to attend the Myanmar-Vietnam Business Forum and meet with representatives of economic organizations. Myanmar has expressed its commitment to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation with Vietnam, pledging to further facilitate Vietnamese businesses' investment and operations in Myanmar. During the 10th meeting of the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, both sides agreed to simplify import procedures and customs clearance, and to hold the 11th meeting of the Trade Joint Subcommittee soon, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $1 billion. Myanmar also affirmed its commitment to cooperate with Vietnam in combating drug and cybercrimes, and to ensure its territory is not used for anti-Vietnam activities. Vietnam views Myanmar as an indispensable member of ASEAN. However, ASEAN has not allowed Myanmar's political representatives to participate in the bloc's high-level meetings, citing the military junta's failure to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus aimed at resolving the crisis following the 2021 coup. Myanmar is currently only permitted to participate in meetings in a non-political capacity. Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war, resulting in numerous casualties and internally displaced persons. The general election held under the military regime has been viewed by the international community not as a step towards restoring democracy, but as a strategy by the military to legitimize its continued rule. Vietnam was among the countries that sent observers to this election. Following the coup, Vietnam expressed concern, called for restraint, an end to violence, and the promotion of dialogue. The Myanmar President's visit to Vietnam is expected to highlight how Vietnam will engage in stabilizing regional affairs while maintaining its influence within ASEAN. Source: BBC Vietnamese