BSS, HANOI :
A red carpet was rolled out to welcome President Abdul Hamid as he reached Hanoi via Thailand yesterday afternoon on a 4-day state visit at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Tan Sang.
A flight of Vietnam Airlines carrying the President, his wife Rasheda Khanom and his entourage members landed at Noi Bai International Airport at about 1.45pm local time. The airport was decorated with the flags of Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Chairman of the Vietnamese President’s office Dao Viet Trung, Bangladesh Ambassador to Vietnam Shahab Ullah and others received Abdul Hamid at the airport. The President was presented a bouquet by two girls and then introduced with those in the presentation line. He then walked through the static guard of honour by a smartly-turned out contingent of armed forces of Vietnam.
After a warm welcome at the airport, Abdul Hamid was taken to Hotel Sheraton, Hanoi through a ceremonial motorcade where he will reside during his stay in Hanoi. State minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam was present at the airport.
During the visit, the President is expected to have a meeting with President Truong Tan Sang. The Vietnamese President is scheduled to host a dinner in honour of Bangladesh President. Abdul Hamid is also expected to hold a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on the same day. The President will also visit National Assembly House of Vietnam on the day and is scheduled to hold meeting with chairman of National Assembly House Nguyen Sinh Hung.
The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Chairman of the People’s Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam are scheduled to make separate courtesy calls on President Abdul Hamid during the visit. Bangladesh community is expected to meet President Abdul Hamid at Ho Chi Minh City. The President will leave Ho Chi Min city for home on August 13.
