Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was reported on September 24, 2026, after the two leaders met on September 23 local time in New York. The meeting was part of To Lam’s diplomatic program in the United States, where he is attending the General Assembly and holding discussions with international leaders, United Nations officials and representatives of major businesses.
The United Nations General Assembly brings together leaders and senior officials from countries around the world. Vietnam is using the meeting to discuss international cooperation and its role in global affairs. During the visit, To Lam has also met other international figures and business representatives, with his program including discussions on economic cooperation, investment, technology and international relations.
The meeting with Guterres is particularly relevant to Vietnam’s participation in United Nations activities. Vietnam has taken part in UN peacekeeping operations and has sought greater cooperation with international organizations. The country has also expressed interest in expanding its contribution to international peacekeeping. On September 23, Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang met UN officials responsible for peacekeeping operations, with discussions including Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping activities.
Vietnam has sent military and medical personnel to UN missions in the past. The country’s field hospitals have played a role in peacekeeping operations, including missions in Africa. A Vietnamese peacekeeping hospital was also preparing to travel to South Sudan during this latest period of international activity. The meeting between To Lam and Guterres therefore fits into Vietnam’s wider diplomatic engagement with the United Nations, as the country continues to emphasize multilateral cooperation and participation in international institutions.
Economic cooperation was another major part of To Lam’s activities in New York. Vietnam has been seeking greater investment and business ties with international companies, while meetings with US business representatives have included discussions about technology, finance and other sectors. To Lam also met representatives of the US-ASEAN Business Council and American companies. Those discussions included a Vietnamese initiative focused on locating people missing from the war period, showing that historical issues remain part of Vietnam’s relationship with the United States.
The UN General Assembly provides Vietnam with an opportunity to present its views directly to a broad international audience. It also allows Vietnamese officials to hold many bilateral meetings during one international event. For Vietnam, participation in the UN is connected to several national priorities, including economic development, peacekeeping, climate issues, technology and international trade.
The meeting with Guterres also comes as global institutions face several major challenges. Conflicts, climate risks, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change are creating pressure for greater international cooperation. Vietnam has been seeking a wider role in international affairs while maintaining its own national development goals. Its participation in UN activities allows the country to build contacts with governments and international organizations.
The September 23 meeting in New York was therefore one part of a broader diplomatic schedule. To Lam is continuing meetings with foreign leaders, UN officials and business representatives during his US visit. The details of future cooperation will depend on follow-up discussions after the General Assembly, while Vietnam’s expanded involvement in peacekeeping and international cooperation is expected to remain an important part of its diplomatic activity. For now, the meeting with Guterres highlights Vietnam’s continuing engagement with the United Nations during the 81st General Assembly.
