Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his spouse chaired a grand welcome ceremony at China’s highest level for Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday morning.

Lam's ongoing state visit to the northern neighbor, taking place from August 18 to 20, is made at the invitation of the Chinese Party general secretary.

The top Chinese leader and his spouse reached the car of Vietnamese Party chief and State President To Lam and his spouse to welcome them.

The two leaders shook hands before heading to the platform of honor.

The welcome ceremony was held with a 21-cannon salute.

They also reviewed a guard of honor.

This is Lam’s first official visit to China since assuming his posts as Vietnamese state president in May and Party leader earlier this month.

After the welcome ceremony, the two leaders held talks.

Lam is scheduled to meet with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo said in Beijing on Monday.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse, along with their entourage, arrived in Guangzhou City of China’s Guangdong Province on Sunday before reaching Beijing on the evening of the same day.

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