STORY: :: Vietnam welcomes Putin to Hanoi with a military band and a guard of honor
:: June 20, 2024
:: Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnamese president To Lam was present to greet and hug Putin upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi for the ceremony. Lam congratulated Putin on his re-election and praised Russia's achievements, including "domestic political stability".
Putin, who arrived in Hanoi early Thursday for an official visit to Vietnam, said strengthening a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam is one of Russia's priorities. He said Russia respects dialogues with ASEAN, in which, he said, Vietnam plays an active role.
Putin is scheduled to meet other Vietnamese leaders, including Communist party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh later on Thursday.
