(VOVworld) – Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong began an official visit to Belarus on Wednesday at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko. The purpose of the visit is to consolidate the traditional friendship with Belarus, one of Vietnam’s traditional friends. A welcoming ceremony was held at the Minsk International Airport in the presence of Prime Minister Myasnikovich, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Industry, and the Belarusian ambassador to Vietnam. At the presidential palace, Mr. Trong held talks with President Alexander Lukashenko on ways to boost bilateral ties and increase mutual trust and understanding.

Earlier, after leaving Sochi to conclude his official visit to Russia, Mr. Trong sent a message to thank President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials and people for their cordial welcome. He said he believed the results of his visit as demonstrated in the Vietnam-Russia Joint Statement would deepen their traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership.