Vietnamese state president welcomes UN Secretary-General in Hanoi

The welcome ceremony was attended by senior Vietnamese officials including Hanoi Chairman Tran Sy Thanh, Deputy Defense Minister Le Huy Vinh, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, and Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN Do Hung Viet, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade were also present.

President Cuong warmly greeted Secretary-General Guterres as his motorcade arrived at the Presidential Palace.

The two leaders walked the red carpet while Hanoi schoolchildren waved the national and UN flags.

After the ceremony, the two leaders held official talks.

Guterres, who has served as UN Secretary-General since 2017, is visiting Vietnam for the second time in this role, following his first official visit in October 2022 after his re-election for a second term from 2021 to 2026.

The visit holds symbolic significance as it coincides with the 80th founding anniversary of the UN (October 24, 1945-2025) and Vietnam’s 80th National Day anniversary (September 2, 1945-2025).

These milestones highlight the parallel paths of Vietnam and the UN.

Since joining the organization on September 20, 1977, Vietnam has become a proactive and responsible member, contributing meaningfully to the UN’s work.

The country has been elected to several key UN bodies, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and the Economic and Social Council.

Guterres’ visit underscores the UN’s recognition of Vietnam’s growing international role and Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation.