Commentaries described the Southeast Asia trip as a clear demonstration of Vietnam’s priority toward ASEAN and its commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation with regional partners.

Singapore’s The Straits Times noted that the leader’s three-day state visit came shortly after Vietnam and Singapore upgraded bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025. It highlighted the rapid expansion of cooperation in trade, investment and high technology.

According to The Straits Times, Vietnam is currently Singapore’s 10th-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$40 billion, while Singapore was Vietnam’s largest foreign investor in 2024. The report also emphasised the development orientation of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) 2.0 model, focusing on smart technology, digital transformation and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Channel News Asia (CNA) described the visit as reaffirming the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. CNA also noted that the leader’s participation and speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia’s leading defence and security forums, reflects Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role in regional and international affairs.

Analysts cited by the broadcaster said the forum would provide Vietnam with an opportunity to convey its foreign policy vision, security cooperation priorities and perspectives on regional peace and stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

In the Philippines, media outlets described the leader’s upcoming state visit from May 31 to June 1 as historically significant, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to hold talks with the Vietnamese leader on cooperation in trade, investment, food security, defense, maritime affairs, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Philippine media also highlighted that both countries are maritime nations in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) with shared interests in maintaining peace, stability and adherence to international law.

Earlier, the Vietnamese leader concluded an official visit to Thailand. Thailand’s Bangkok Post described the trip as a major milestone in bilateral relations as the two countries agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements in economy, technology, education and aviation, while also pledging to enhance collaboration in security, transnational crime prevention, green economy development and regional supply chain connectivity.

According to Bangkok Post, closer cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in high technology, semiconductors and green energy reflects ASEAN’s evolving cooperation trends amid intensifying global strategic competition.

International media outlets agreed that the leader’s visits to the three Southeast Asian countries not only strengthened Vietnam’s bilateral ties with ASEAN members, but also reaffirmed the country’s proactive, constructive and responsible role in promoting regional solidarity, cooperation and stability.

Singapore holds grand welcoming ceremony for Vietnam’s top leader To Lam

VOV.VN - Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his spouse held a grand state welcoming ceremony on May 29 for To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President, and his spouse during their three-day state visit to Singapore.