To Lam's Four-Nation Tour Spotlights Vietnam's Rising Regional Influence

Vietnamese leader To Lam is embarking on a four-nation tour to strengthen ties with key partners amid trade uncertainty affecting Vietnam's export-dependent economy.

The diplomatic push, which includes visits to Russia, France, the United States, and Canada, comes as Thailand watches Vietnam's growing competition for trade, investment, and tourism.

Lam will meet President Vladimir Putin in Russia on September 7 before traveling to France for talks with President Emmanuel Macron, where he is expected to attend an international space summit.

In the United States, Lam may deliver a speech at the high-level debate of the United Nations General Assembly beginning on September 21, although none of the sources had information about a meeting with US President Donald Trump.