He was welcomed at the airport by Minister, Chairman of the Lao Deputy PM Office Alounxai Sounnalath, Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) welcomed by his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone.

Right after arriving in Vientiane, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh laid a wreath at a monument dedicated to Laos’ unknown martyrs in tribute to Lao people who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the country, as well as for Vietnam's independence, freedom and reunification.

PM Sonexay Siphandone then chaired an official welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation.

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PM Sonexay Siphandone chairs official welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

This is the first official visit to the neighboring country by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his first overseas trip this year. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is also the first foreign leader to visit Laos since PM Sonexay Siphandon took office.

During his stay, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to hold talks with Sonexay Siphandone; pay a courtesy visit to Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith; meet with National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane; attend a closing ceremony of the Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity Year; and meet the Vietnamese community living in Laos.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

The visit affirms Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring and prioritizing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between the two nations, as well as Vietnam’s support for Laos during its national renovation and integration.

Source: VNA