Vietnam and Myanmar have agreed to expand defence, security and economic cooperation following talks between Vietnamese President To Lam and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Hanoi.
The two countries will increase collaboration in areas including military exchanges, disaster response and efforts to combat transnational crime.
Key developments include:
- Expanded young officer training, search and rescue cooperation, and information sharing.
- Joint efforts against drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime and online fraud.
- Greater cooperation in agriculture, technology, energy, telecommunications and infrastructure.
- Continued engagement through ASEAN and Mekong regional frameworks.
The leaders also reaffirmed support for peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, calling for disputes to be resolved peacefully under international law.
The agreement comes as Myanmar’s military-backed government seeks to strengthen regional engagement following years of diplomatic isolation after the 2021 coup.
In 2026, Min Aung Hlaing has pursued closer ties with neighbouring states, including China, India and ASEAN members, while the country’s relationship with the bloc remains constrained by ongoing political and security concerns.
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