The ceremony was held in accordance with the highest protocol reserved for heads of state, demonstrating Vietnam’s special regard for the visit by the top leader of Laos.

Attending the welcome ceremony were Politburo members, members of the Party Central Committee, leaders of central ministries, agencies and sectors, as well as leaders of the Government, the Office of the Party General Secretary, and the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos. Also present were ambassadors and chargés d’affaires of ASEAN countries in Vietnam, reflecting the region’s interest in and attention to the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

From early morning, large numbers of children, students and Hanoi residents lined Hoang Van Thu Street, the route leading to the Presidential Palace, holding Vietnamese and Lao national flags and fresh bouquets, warmly welcoming Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and the high-ranking delegation of the Lao Party and State. The solemn yet warm atmosphere vividly reflected the close-knit and faithful bond between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.

At 9:20 a.m., the motorcade, escorted by lead and security vehicles, carried the Lao leader, his spouse and the delegation into the Presidential Palace. As the motorcade came to a halt at the red carpet amid ceremonial music, Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse warmly greeted and shook hands with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse on the occasion of the state visit to Vietnam. Schoolchildren then presented fresh bouquets to the Lao leader and his spouse, further enhancing the friendly atmosphere of the ceremony.

Party General Secretary To Lam subsequently invited Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith to step onto the ceremonial podium. Salutes of artillery thundered in welcome, while the military band played the national anthems of Vietnam and Laos. In the solemn atmosphere, Party General Secretary To Lam invited the Lao leader to review the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Following the review of the Guard of Honour, the two leaders introduced members of their respective high-ranking delegations attending the ceremony. The welcome ceremony concluded with Party General Secretary To Lam and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith returning to the ceremonial podium to witness the march-past by the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith takes place at a time of great significance for both countries. Laos has recently successfully held the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, at which Thongloun Sisoulith was re-elected as Party General Secretary of the 12th Party Central Committee. Vietnam has also successfully held the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with To Lam continuing to be elected as Party General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee.

In this context, the visit demonstrates the highest level of political trust, the special bond and the close coordination between the two Parties and States. At the same time, it contributes to elevating bilateral ties and providing orientations for comprehensive, effective and substantive cooperation, in line with the new stage of development in Vietnam - Laos relations.

Immediately after the official welcome ceremony, Party General Secretary To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, together with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and the high-ranking Lao delegation, held talks at the Party Central Committee Headquarters, continuing important activities within the framework of the Lao leader’s state visit to Vietnam.