The official welcome ceremony was solemnly held on February 5 at the Presidential Palace with the highest protocol reserved for a head of state.

At exactly 9 a.m., the motorcade carrying General Secretary To Lam entered the Presidential Palace. Thongloun Sisoulith warmly welcomed him at the vehicle and invited him to step onto the honour platform. Military bands played the national anthems of Vietnam and Laos.

The host leader invited Party chief To Lam to inspect the honour guard, after which the two leaders introduced officials from both sides attending the ceremony.

The visit takes place at a special time, immediately after the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 12th National Congress of the LPRP.

These major political events mark an important transition in strategic thinking, development orientation and long-term vision of each Party and country.

In that context, the decision by To Lam and the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Vietnam to choose Laos as the first country visited in the new term , and the first state visit hosted by Laos after the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, as well as taking place just over one week after Vietnam hosted Thongloun Sisoulith as the first foreign head of state to visit Vietnam following the 14th National Party Congress, carries profound political significance and demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent priority and special importance attached to bilateral relations.

The visit provides an opportunity for both Parties and countries to strongly reaffirm the tradition of special solidarity and steadfast ties between Vietnam and Laos, a relationship forged, tested and continuously nurtured throughout history.

It also reflects the highest political determination of senior leaders of both Parties and countries to promote bilateral relations towards greater substance and effectiveness, bringing them closer to development requirements and long-term strategic interests of each nation.

Earlier, shortly after arriving in Laos, To Lam and his high-level delegation laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldiers in Vientiane.

Party General Secretary To Lam departs for state visit to Laos

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam led a high-level Vietnamese delegation departing Hanoi for a state visit to Laos on February 5 at the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos.

Party leader’s visit reaffirms Vietnam – Laos strategic cohesion

The forthcoming State visit to Laos by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam aims to reaffirm the Vietnam-Laos strategic cohesion and it is expected to further elevate bilateral ties and guide comprehensive, effective and substantive cooperation in a new phase of relations.