General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly chaired an official welcome ceremony in Hanoi on January 26 morning for General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse Naly Sisoulith who are on a two-day state visit to Vietnam.

The ceremony was held solemnly at the Presidential Palace with the highest protocol reserved for a head of state. The two General Secretaries stood on the honour platform as the national anthems of both countries were played. They then reviewed the guard of honour of the Vietnam People’s Army, watched a ceremonial parade, and introduced their respective high-level delegations.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two leaders and their high-level delegations held talks.

The visit is taking place at a moment of great significance for both countries. Laos has recently successfully held the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, during which Thongloun Sisoulith was re-elected as General Secretary of the Party Central Committee for the 12th term. Vietnam, for its part, has also successfully organised the 14th National Congress of the CPV, with To Lam re-elected as General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee.

This trip reflects the highest level of political trust, the special bond and close coordination between the two Parties and the two countries. It contributes to elevating the bilateral relations and providing strategic direction for comprehensive, effective and substantive cooperation in the new stage of development of the bilateral relationship./. VNA