Putin arrives in Vietnam to strengthen ties as Russia’s isolation deepens

He arrived from North Korea, where he and leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (Minh Hoang/AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to strengthen ties with long-time partner Vietnam on a state visit on Thursday that comes as Moscow faces growing international isolation because of its military actions in Ukraine.

Upon his arrival, Mr Putin was greeted by dignitaries, and soldiers in white dress uniforms stood at attention.