At noon on June 20, a state-level welcoming ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin was solemnly held at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Photos: Khanh Huy/The Hanoi Times

State President To Lam presides over the ceremony.   This marks the first meeting between State President To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

At approximately 12:13 PM, President Putin's entourage arrived at the Presidential Palace. Hanoi's children wave flags to greet the Russian leader.

It is also the fourth state-level ceremony held at the Presidential Palace since the beginning of 2024, featuring high-level protocols for foreign heads of state.

A 21-cannon salute fired to welcome the Russian President. Photo: Nguyen Hong/Baoquocte

The two leaders then walked on the red carpet towards the honor podium to the sound of marching songs performed by a military band.

President To Lam and President Putin stepped onto the honor podium. The military band played the national anthems of both countries as 21 cannon salutes rang out from the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area.

Overview of the ceremony.

The two leaders subsequently introduced officials from both sides.

After the ceremony, both leaders headed to the Presidential Palace, posed for a group photo, and proceeded to hold talks.

 After their talks, President To Lam and President Putin are scheduled to meet the press to announce the outcomes of their meeting. President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation has visited Vietnam five times, including this one, which holds significant importance as it further deepens the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all fields, especially as both countries strive to realize the Joint Declaration on the Vision for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2030.

The Russian leader will also lay a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and meet with leaders of friendship associations and Vietnamese graduates in Russia.