Prime Minister Le Minh Hung presides over welcoming ceremony for Timor-Leste prime minister

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on the afternoon of 9/6 presided over the welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who is on an official visit to Vietnam.

During the official welcoming ceremony at the government headquarters, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao saluted the flag and reviewed the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army.

Attendees at the welcoming ceremony included Dang Xuan Phong, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office; Vu Hai Quan, Minister of Science and Technology; Hoang Minh Son, Minister of Education and Training; and leaders from other agencies. Following the ceremony, the two leaders began talks to discuss bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao on 9/6. Photo: Giang Huy.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao is on an official visit to Vietnam and is attending the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) from 7-10/6, at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

This visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum holds significant importance for Timor-Leste's integration process, as the nation has become an ASEAN member, and for the future development of the ASEAN Community, according to Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

The visit is expected to strengthen political trust and promote cooperation across various sectors. It will help Timor-Leste leverage Vietnam's experience and support to participate effectively in ASEAN and regional cooperation mechanisms.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the Timor-Leste Prime Minister review the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army. Photo: Giang Huy.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao's participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 is an opportunity for Timor-Leste to affirm its commitment to ASEAN's common goals. It also helps the country strengthen connections with regional partners to promote socio-economic development.

Vietnam and Timor-Leste share a long-standing friendship. Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognize the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN) in 9/1975.

Vietnam's decision to establish an embassy in Dili in mid-2025, which became operational from April, is considered a significant milestone. This move contributes to making the friendship and cooperation between the two countries deeper, more substantive, and more effective.