On the afternoon of June 9, at Government Headquarters in Hanoi, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung presided over the official welcome ceremony for Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam and attending the ASEAN Future Forum 2026.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung welcomed Prime Minister Gusmão and the high-level Timor-Leste delegation. Children representing Hanoi's youth presented the visiting leader with a bouquet of flowers upon his arrival.

As the welcoming music played, the two prime ministers stepped onto the ceremonial platform in the main hall of Government Headquarters. Following the national anthems of both countries, they saluted the military flag, reviewed the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People's Army and introduced members of their respective high-level delegations attending the ceremony.

Vietnam and Timor-Leste share a longstanding friendship, and leaders of the two countries have maintained regular high-level exchanges over the years.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two prime ministers led their delegations into official talks to review bilateral cooperation and discuss directions for future collaboration.

Before the meeting, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão toured a photo exhibition highlighting the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste's first ASEAN Future Forum as a full member

Earlier in the day, speaking at the opening session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, Prime Minister Gusmão described the occasion as a historic moment for his country.

He noted that this was the first time Timor-Leste had participated in the forum as a full member of the ASEAN family.

The Timor-Leste leader expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Government and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam for initiating the ASEAN Future Forum, which provides a platform for discussions on a peaceful, stable and people-centered ASEAN.

Prime Minister Gusmão said the world is facing increasing uncertainty, challenges to the international legal order and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, which could pose significant risks to humanity.

Against this backdrop, he stressed that ASEAN remains an important mechanism for promoting dialogue and cooperation.

"The story of Southeast Asia is complex, but ASEAN has shown that diversity is not a weakness - it is a source of strength," he said. "No country can determine its destiny alone. We need one another because cooperation makes us stronger. Timor-Leste stands ready to learn, contribute and work closely with partners to build a peaceful and inclusive region."

Paying tribute to Vietnam's national heroes

Prior to the official visit, on June 8, Prime Minister Gusmão laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs on Bac Son Street in Hanoi.

He also laid a wreath and paid tribute at the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh.

These activities formed part of the Timor-Leste leader's official program in Vietnam and reflected the respect and friendship between the two nations.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai