To Lam confirms Russia and France visit, US trip unclear

Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam is scheduled to visit Russia and France from Sept. 7 to 12, including a state visit to Russia, an official visit to France and participation in a space conference in Paris. In Moscow, he is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin and advance cooperation in energy, defense, security and oil and gas, while reinforcing the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. In France, talks with President Emmanuel Macron are expected to cover expanding economic, infrastructure, defense and space cooperation. The trip is part of an unusually active diplomatic schedule as Vietnam seeks stronger relationships with major partners amid trade uncertainty affecting its export-dependent economy. Reports that Lam may also visit the United States and Canada this month remain unconfirmed, while Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry has officially announced only the Russia and France itinerary.