Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Vietnam’s Leader Plans Russia, France, US and Canada Visits
Vietnam’s leader, To Lam, is reportedly planning a very busy international trip.
He may visit Russia, France, the United States and Canada this month.
His first stop is expected to be Russia, where he could meet President Vladimir Putin.
He may then go to France for a space summit and a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron.
In the United States, he is expected to speak at the United Nations.
It is not known whether he will meet President Donald Trump.
The trip may help Vietnam strengthen relationships with important countries.
The plans are not official yet and could change.
To Lam is expected to visit Russia, France, the United States and Canada in September.
The itinerary reportedly begins in Russia on September 7 with a meeting with Vladimir Putin.
In France, Lam is expected to attend the International Space Summit in Paris on September 9–10 and meet Emmanuel Macron.
Lam is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 21.
The visits are intended to deepen major-power ties amid trade uncertainty affecting Vietnam’s export-reliant economy, but none has been officially announced.
- Who
- To Lam, Vietnam’s President and General Secretary of the Communist Party, is expected to make the visits.
- What
- He is reportedly planning September trips to Russia, France, the United States and Canada, including meetings and a United Nations address.
- When
- The reported itinerary begins September 7; France events are expected on September 9–10, the United Nations debate starts September 21, and the Canada visit is expected from September 24.
- Where
- Russia, France, the United States and Canada; events are expected in Moscow, Paris and at the United Nations.
- Why
- Vietnam is seeking to deepen ties with major partners amid trade uncertainty affecting its export-reliant economy.
- Reported first stop
- Russia, beginning September 7
- Russia agenda
- A meeting with Vladimir Putin, with political trust-building in energy, defence and security reportedly on the agenda
- France agenda
- Attendance at the International Space Summit in Paris on September 9–10 and an expected meeting with Emmanuel Macron
- United States agenda
- An expected speech at the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level debate beginning September 21
- Canada visit
- Expected to begin September 24
- Official status
- None of the planned state visits had been officially announced, and the schedule could change
- Trade context
- The travel comes as Vietnam faces trade uncertainty and strained United States ties over trade imbalances