Today on June 28 morning, Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted an official welcome ceremony for General Secretary of the Laos People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and high-ranking delegation arrived in Hanoi, starting an official visit to Vietnam.

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith at the welcome ceremony in Hanoi on June 28 (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and a Lao Party and State high-level delegation were welcomed to Vietnam at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on June 28 morning chaired by State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse.

The visit comes following an invitation from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his spouse, in addition to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse.

The event marks the first overseas trip by Thongloun Sisoulith in his role as Laos Party General Secretary and President for the 2021 to 2026 tenure, whilst it is also the first high-ranking Party and State delegation of Laos to visit the country after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), according to the VOV.

The visit can be seen as a means of contributing to both nations’ respective foreign policies of placing great importance on preserving and constantly developing the significant mutual friendship, special solidarity, and general co-operation between both sides moving forward.

President Phuc and his spouse pose for a photo with Laotian President Sisoulith and his wife at the welcoming ceremony. Photo: VOV

Also present at the event were permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Organisation Truong Thi Mai, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang, and Minister of Public Security To Lam, among others.

Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat welcomes General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife at the aiport.

The Vietnamese State leader joins Laotian President Sisoulith at the speakers’ podium as the national anthems of both countries are played. Photo: VOV

The visit aims to implement consistent foreign policy Laos and Vietnam in reserving and promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation of the two countries.

It also provides an opportunity for the two countries to further exchange experience in development and accelerate the effective implementation of bilateral agreements in 2021 and beyond.

Following the welcome ceremony, the Lao leader and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong will have talks, reported VNA.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes the top Lao leader.

The two sides hold talks

An official welcome ceremony for the top Laotian leader and his delegation will be solemnly held at the Presidential Palace, according to the highest rituals for the head of state.

Following this, General Secretary Trong and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Sisoulith will hold talks and witness the signing of an array of co-operation documents between the two nations.

The official friendship visit to the nation by General Secretary and President of Laos Sisoulith is of special significance as it serves to affirm the special solidarity, close-knit relationship, trust, and loyalty of both nations.

This therefore marks an opportunity for the two sides to continue sharing their experience in national development and measures aimed at promoting the effective implementation of high-level agreements between the two Parties and both countries this year and in the future.

Tarah Nguyen