President To Lam arrives in Vientiane, begins state visit to Laos

According to the special correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency, at 7:10 a.m. on July 11 (local time), the plane carryingPresident To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, starting a state visit to the Lao PDR from July 11 to 12 at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith.

President To Lam arrives at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Capital. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

Welcoming President To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation at Wattay Airport were Head of the Lao Presidential Office Khemmani Pholsena; Vientiane Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone; Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Bounleua Phandanouvong; Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh; and a number of leaders of Lao Foreign Ministry units.

Ceremony to welcome President To Lam at Wattay International Airport. Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos were also present at the airport to welcome the President and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation.

In an atmosphere filled with friendship, representatives of overseas Vietnamese and Vietnamese students in Laos as well as a large number of Lao students and people holding the national flags of the two countries welcomed the President and the delegation at the airport.

President To Lam's first visit to Laos after being elected by the National Assembly to his new position is a testament to Vietnam's consistent policy of always giving top priority to consolidating and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, the visit also aims to affirm Vietnam's strong support for the cause of innovation, protection and construction of Laos; encourage and support Laos to successfully implement the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 12th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, as well as prepare for the successful organization of the 12th National Party Congress; thereby continuing to foster strategic trust between the two Parties and countries.

The State visit of President To Lam to Laos is of great significance and significance. This is not only a major diplomatic event but also a vivid manifestation of the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

During his visit to Laos, President To Lam is expected to attend the official welcoming ceremony, hold talks with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and witness the signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two countries. The President will also meet with the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Lao National Assembly; receive the Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction and the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association; pay respects to former high-ranking Lao leaders; attend an official reception hosted by the Lao General Secretary and President; visit the Vietnamese Embassy and meet with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Laos, and a number of other important activities.

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