The special plane carrying General Secretary and President To Lam landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, United States, on the evening of 20/9 (morning in Hanoi). Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnam's Ambassador to the United States, and Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, welcomed the General Secretary and President at the airport, Vietnam News Agency reported.

General Secretary and President To Lam at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City on 20/9. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency*

General Secretary and President To Lam's visit marks his second attendance at a United Nations (UN) General Assembly session in his capacity as a Party and State leader. This significant trip coincides with Vietnam and the United Nations preparing to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Accompanying him were: Le Minh Tri, Head of the Central Internal Affairs Commission; Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission; Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense; Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security; Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Hai Ninh, Chief of the Central Party Office; Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Finance; Le Manh Hung, Minister of Industry and Trade; Vu Hai Quan, Minister of Science and Technology, and other officials.

The 81st UN General Assembly's high-level general debate is themed "Rebuilding Trust, Fostering Transformation: A United Nations for the Benefit of All Countries". General Secretary and President To Lam is scheduled to deliver a speech affirming Vietnam's strong support and commitment to the UN's central role in multilateral cooperation and upholding international law.

Relations between Vietnam and the United Nations are developing well and substantively. From its years of struggle for independence, Vietnam has emerged as a reliable partner, contributing proactively, responsibly, and innovatively to the UN's core pillars.

The General Secretary and President's working visit and bilateral engagements in the United States will help implement shared understandings between high-level Vietnamese and American leaders. This visit also aims to further promote the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, ensuring its stable, substantive, effective, and sustainable development.

The visit also provides an opportunity for both nations to enhance high-level contacts and discuss strategic, long-term issues impacting their relationship. Additionally, it seeks to deepen mutual understanding and garner support from various sectors for Vietnam and the Vietnam-US bilateral relationship.

Huyen Le