Myanmar military head visits Vietnam to normalize relations

In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, right, shakes hands with Commander-in-Chief Gen. Ye Win Oo, left, upon his departure to Vietnam, at the Naypyitaw international airport Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Myanmar President Office/AP hide caption toggle caption Myanmar President Office/AP BANGKOK — The leader of Myanmar's military-backed government arrived Friday in Vietnam for talks with Vietnamese leaders in his latest effort to normalize relations with other Southeast Asian countries and attract foreign investment. Min Aung Hlaing has stepped up his diplomatic engagements since he was sworn in as president in April following an election that critics say was designed to cement the military's hold on power. The outreach is part of an attempt to rebuild regional ties that deteriorated after Min Aung Hlaing ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021 while serving as army chief. Friday's trip marks Min Aung Hlaing's third visit to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member state as he seeks to restore his standing within the 11-member bloc, to which Myanmar and Vietnam belong. Min Aung Hlaing faced years ...