General secretary, president To Lam received a solemn welcome in Auckland, New Zealand, on the morning of 13/8. The ceremony, befitting a foreign head of state, comprised a traditional Maori welcome and an official reception, as reported by TTXVN.
During the traditional Maori welcome, two Maori elders performed the customary "hongi" greeting and invited general secretary, president To Lam to participate in the traditional guest reception.
A Maori warrior performed a weapon dance, placing a wooden knife on the ground. General secretary, president To Lam accepted the knife, holding it throughout the ceremony.
 |
The reception for general secretary, president To Lam was held according to traditional Maori rituals. Photo: TTXVN
Following this, Maori performers presented traditional dances, conveying their warm welcome and honoring the bond between hosts and guests. General secretary, president To Lam then participated in the traditional "hongi" (touching noses) greeting, concluding the indigenous welcome.
At the official reception, New Zealand governor-general Dame Cindy Kiro extended a welcome to general secretary, president To Lam for his state visit. The honor guard commander then issued commands, proceeding with further ceremonial protocols.
Following the reception, the Vietnamese leader held talks with the New Zealand governor-general and then with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents and met with the press.
 |
New Zealand governor-general Cindy Kiro welcomes general secretary, president To Lam. Photo: TTXVN
Vietnam and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on 19/6/1975, elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2/2025. Vietnam customs statistics show that the total import-export turnover between the two countries reached USD 1.5 billion in 2025.
Vietnam stands as New Zealand's 12th largest trading partner, while New Zealand is Vietnam's 41st largest. The Vietnamese community in New Zealand totals approximately 14.000, including 8.000 long-term expatriates, primarily settled in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
Ngoc Anh
