Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing to visit Vietnam

Myanmar's military leader and president, Min Aung Hlaing, will visit Vietnam from September 4 to 6, Vietnam state media said Tuesday, in the latest stop on a regional push for diplomatic recognition.

Myanmar's foreign ministry said he would meet Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the president of the national assembly. It said he would also attend the Myanmar-Vietnam Business Forum 2026 and visit digital and electronic technology industries.

Min Aung Hlaing led Myanmar's armed forces when they ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her in 2021, triggering the country's civil war. In April, he became civilian president after highly restricted elections.

Much of the international community shunned Myanmar's leadership after the coup. Since the elections, India, Laos and Thailand have welcomed Min Aung Hlaing, while Russia, Belarus and China have also hosted him.

The vote excluded Suu Kyi's party and was blocked from large areas held by rebels, while dissenters were jailed. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow defended Bangkok's decision to host Min Aung Hlaing last month, saying: “It's not about legitimacy, it's about reality.”