Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng hosted a welcome ceremony in Hà Nội on Tuesday for his Timor-Leste counterpart Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng chaired a welcome ceremony in Hà Nội on Tuesday for his Timor-Leste counterpart Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who is visiting Việt Nam and attending the third ASEAN Future Forum till Wednesday.

His official visit and attendance at the forum hold significance, particularly for Timor-Leste’s integration process following its accession to ASEAN, and the future of ASEAN Community.

To the sound of welcoming music, the two PMs stepped onto the honorary platform inside the main hall of the Government headquarters.

To the sound of welcoming music, the two PMs stepped onto the honorary platform inside the main hall of the Government headquarters. After a military band played both national anthems, they reviewed the Việt Nam People’s Army Honour Guard. They then introduced members of their high-ranking delegations.

Việt Nam and Timor-Leste share a long-standing friendship. Việt Nam was among the first countries to recognise the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) in September 1975. Its decision to open an embassy in Dili in mid-2025, operational since April 2026, marks an important milestone, contributing to deeper, more substantive and effective ties in the interests of their people and for ASEAN solidarity and development.

The visit is expected to boost political trust and drive more substantive, effective cooperation across all fields, helping Timor-Leste tap Việt Nam’s experience and support in joining ASEAN and regional mechanisms.

Top leaders have maintained regular high-level contacts. Việt Nam stands ready to share development and global integration experience and work closely with Timor-Leste inside the ASEAN family. The two sides also cooperate effectively at multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations.

Economic and trade ties are showing positive growth. Investment cooperation is a standout, fueled by Viettel Timor (Telemor), a telecom venture of Việt Nam’s Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group. Agriculture, education, and oil and gas also offer untapped potential.

Gusmão’s presence at the forum also gives Timor-Leste a chance to reaffirm its commitment to ASEAN’s shared goals while strengthening connectivity with regional partners to accelerate socio-economic development.

After the welcome ceremony, the two leaders led their delegations into talks to review bilateral ties and set future directions.

After the welcome ceremony, the two leaders led their delegations into talks to review bilateral ties and set future directions. They also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements and visited a photo exhibition on bilateral friendship co-hosted by the Government Office and Vietnam News Agency. — VNA/VNS

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng (right) welcomed Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang