TOKYO -- Vietnam's new president, To Lam, made his de facto diplomatic debut in June when he oversaw official events during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the country.
Communist Party General-Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's paramount leader, attended the summit with Putin but remained seated throughout. Putin showed concern for the 80-year-old party chief, who has held the post since 2011, appearing to confirm long-rumored worries about Trong's deteriorating health. During Putin's visit, it was To Lam who led talks with the Russian leader.
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