DECREE

ON THE STATE CEREMONIES AND THE RECEPTION OF FOREIGN GUESTS

THE GOVERNMENT

Pursuant to the September 30, 1992 Law on Organization of the Government;
At the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs,

DECREES:

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1.- This Decree prescribes major activities in celebration of big anniversaries and the State ceremonies for reception of foreign guests, aiming to promote patriotism and the spirit of national pride and contribute to enhancing and expanding the cooperative and friendly relations with countries and international organizations.

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Article 3.- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs shall propose reception levels for other high-level foreign delegations other than the subjects prescribed in this Decree, depending on each specific case.

Article 4.- In this Decree, a number of terms and phrases shall be construed as follows:

1. Even year, round year and odd year mean the (ordinal) number of anniversary years of events.

- The even years mean the anniversary years ending in numeral "0";

- The round years mean the anniversary years ending in numeral "5";

- The odd years mean the anniversary years ending in other numerals.

2. The Diplomatic Corps include the heads of the foreign diplomatic representations in Vietnam;

3. The international organizations in Hanoi include the international organizations within the United Nations system and the inter-governmental international organizations outside the United Nations system, which have representative offices in Hanoi.

Chapter II

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Article 5.- The National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2).

1. In the odd year

- Leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and representatives of the leadership of the central bodies of the socio-political organizations (hereinafter called mass organizations) lay wreaths and pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and lay wreaths at the War Dead Monument (hereinafter called the Monument for short).

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city jointly organize a meeting, and invite leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend.

- The Prime Minister receives the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi in form of cocktail party.

- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs arranges the floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and the wreath laying at the Monument for the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City jointly organize a meeting.

2. In the round year

- In the capital city of Hanoi, a meeting is organized in the names of the Party Central Committee, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

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- In Hanoi, the floral tribute paid to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and the wreath laying at the Monument are organized like in the odd years.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organize a meeting.

3. In the even year

To organize meeting and parade at Ba Dinh Square; leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations attend the functions. The State President delivers a speech; in case of a military parade, the Defense Minister reads Order of the Day; the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

Other activities are organized like in the round years.

Article 6.- Hung Kings’ death anniversary ( March 10 of lunar calendar)

The determination of the odd year, round year and even year for organizing the Hung Kings’ death anniversary is calculated according to solar calendar year.

1. In the odd year

The People’s Committee of Phu Tho province organizes the ritual; invites leading officials of the Ministry of Culture and Information to attend the incense-burning rite and organize activities during the ritual.

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The People’s Committee of Phu Tho province organize the ritual; invites representatives of the leadership of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend the incense-burning rite.

3. In the even year

The Ministry of Culture and Information and the People’s Committee of Phu Tho province organize the ritual; invite leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend the incense-burning rite.

Article 7.- The Communist Party of Vietnam’s founding anniversary (February 3)

1. In the odd year

The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city organize a meeting; invite representatives of the leadership of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend.

2. In the round year

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city organize a meeting; invite leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organize a meeting.

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- Leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations lay wreaths and pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and lay wreaths at the Monument.

- In Hanoi capital, a meeting is organized in the names of the Party Central Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organize a meeting.

Article 8.- President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19)

1. In the odd year

Leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations lay wreaths and pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum.

2. In the round year

- Leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations lay wreaths and pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city organize a meeting; invite leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend.

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- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Nghe An province organize a meeting.

3. In the even year

- In Hanoi, a meeting is organized in the names of the Party Central Committee, the State, the National Assembly, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the Diplomatic Corps and the chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

- Other activities are organized like in the round years.

Article 9.- The Victory Day (April 30)

1. In the odd year

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city organize a meeting; invite representatives of the leaderships of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and mass organizations to attend.

- The Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organize a meeting.

2. In the round year

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- Other activities are organized like in the odd years.

3. In the even year

- In Hanoi, a meeting is organized in the names of the Party Central Committee, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; it is attended by representatives of the leaderships of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the Diplomatic Corps and the chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

- Other activities are organized like in the round years.

- In Ho Chi Minh City, a march and military parade is organized.

Article 10.- Lunar New Year Festival (Tet Nguyen dan)

- The State President gives New Year greetings to the compatriots throughout the country and overseas Vietnamese on Vietnam Television and Radio Voice of Vietnam on the New Year�s eve.

- The Foreign Minister organizes a get-together with the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi

Chapter III

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Article 11.- Reception of the Head of State

1. Meeting at the airport

Meeting the foreign delegation shall be the Director or Deputy Director of the State President’s Office, high-ranking officials, a vice minister for Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese ambassador to the guest country, the director of the External Relations Department of the State President’s Office, the director of the Protocol Department and the director of the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry and the ambassador of the guest country.

2. The welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace

a/ The State President presides over the welcome ceremony

b/ The welcome ceremony is attended by the wife (or husband) of the State President if the wife (or husband) of the visiting Head of State accompanies the delegation, a Deputy Prime Minister if the visiting Head of State is concurrently the head of the Government, the director of the State President’s Office, the President of Hanoi People’s Committee, accompanying officials, a vice minister for Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese ambassador to the guest country, Vietnamese officials with positions corresponding to the positions of the official members of the foreign delegation, the ambassadors and diplomats of the Embassy of the guest country.

c/ The ceremony is conducted as follows:

- The State President and his wife (or her husband) greet the visiting Head of State and his wife (or her husband) at the place where the limousine parks. Guards of Honor stand in two lines in front of the veranda.

- Bouquets of flowers are presented to the visiting Head of State and his wife (or her husband).

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- The military band plays the national anthems of the two countries (the national anthem of the guest country first).

- The commander of the Guards of Honor salutes, reports and invites the visiting Head of State to review the Honor Guards of Vietnam People’s Army, comprising the representatives of the three army services of navy, army and air force.

- The State President and the visiting Head of State review the Guards of Honor.

- The Guards of Honor wish good health to the visiting Head of State.

- The State President introduces to the visiting Head of State the Vietnamese officials and the visiting Head of State introduces to the State President the members of the guest delegation.

d/ The State President and his wife (or her husband) and the visiting Head of State and his wife (or her husband) take photos for memory, then the State President and his wife (or her husband) receive the delegation in the guest room.

3. Talks

The two Heads of State hold talks at the Presidential Palace. The number of the Vietnamese participants to the talks shall correspond to the number of official members of the guest delegation. The two Heads of State may meet in private before the two delegations hold talks, if so requested.

4. Contacts

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- The Prime Minister meets for talks.

- The National Assembly Chairman meets for talks if so aspired by the guest.

5. Reception

- The State President gives a grand banquet at the Presidential Palace. At the banquet, the State President delivers a welcome speech, the visiting Head of State delivers the reply speech.

- Participants in the banquet on the Vietnamese side are those who participate in the talks, the welcome and farewell ceremonies. In case of necessity, an additional number of officials and public figures who have good relations with the guest country can be invited to attend. On the guests’ side, the official members of the delegation, a number of accompanying officials and a number of diplomats of the Embassy are invited.

- After the banquet, an art performance is organized at the Presidential Palace in welcome of the guests. If the art performance is organized at the Municipal Opera House or another place, the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend.

6. See-off ceremony

- The State President bids farewell to the foreign delegation at the Presidential Palace. The State President and his wife (or her husband) see off the guests at the place where the limousine parks; present bouquets of flowers to the visiting Head of State and his wife (or her husband); the Guards of Honor stand in two lines in front of the veranda.

- The participants in the see-off ceremony at the Presidential Palace and the farewell at the airport are the same as for the welcome.

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- The welcome level and ceremony shall be the same as those for the Head of State on official visit.

- The General Secretary and the State President or the General Secretary and the Prime Minister preside over the welcome, see-off, talks and reception. The General Secretary and the head of the visiting delegation review the Guards of Honor.

- People greeting the delegation at the airport, shall be the same as those for greeting the Head of State, plus the deputy head of the External Relations Commission of the Party Central Committee. Participating in the welcome ceremony, the see-off ceremony, talks and banguests are representatives of the Party and State agencies corresponding to the official members of the foreign delegation.

Article 13.- Receiving the Head of Government

1. Greeting at the airport

Greeting the guests shall be the accompanying officials, a vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese ambassador to the guest country, the director of the Protocol Department, the director of the Department for Regional Affairs of the Foreign Ministry.

2. The welcome ceremony

- The Prime Minister presides over the welcome ceremony.

- Attending the welcome ceremony shall be the wife (of husband) of the Prime Minister, if the wife (or husband) of the visiting Head of Government accompanies the delegation, the minister-director or deputy-director of the Government Office, the president of the Hanoi People’s Committee, the accompanying officials, a vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese ambassador to the guest country, the Vietnamese officials with positions corresponding to the positions of the official members of the foreign delegation, the ambassador and diplomats of the guest country’s embassy.

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3. Talks

The two Government Heads hold talks. The participants in the talks on the Vietnamese side shall correspond to the official members of the foreign delegation. The two Government Heads may meet in private before the two delegations hold talks.

4. Contacts

- The General Secretary receives the guest, depending on the extent of relationship and the aspiration of the guest.

- The State President receives the guest at the Presidential Palace.

- The National Assembly Chairman receives the guest if so aspired by the latter.

5. Reception

- The Prime Minister presides over the reception. At the reception, the Prime Minister delivers a welcome speech, the visiting Government Head delivers the reply speech.

- Participants in the reception on the Vietnamese side include those who take part in the talks, welcome and see-off ceremonies. In case of necessity, an additional number of officials and public figures who have good ties with the guest country can be invited to attend. On the guest’s side, the official members of the foreign delegation, a number of accompanying officials and diplomats of the embassy are invited.

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6. See-off ceremony

- The see-off ceremony (if any): The Prime Minister sees off the delegation. The Prime Minister and his wife (or her husband) bid farewell to the guests at the place where the limousine parks; present flower bouquets to the visiting Government Head and his wife (or her husband). The participants in the see-off ceremony shall be the same as for the welcome ceremony.

- The participants in the see-off at the airport shall be the same as for the welcome at the airport.

Article 14.- Receiving the National Assembly chairman

1. Greeting at the airport

Greeting the guests at the airport shall be the director or deputy-director of the External Relations Commission of the National Assembly, the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s Office, the director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly’s Office, the ambassador and diplomats of the guest country’s Embassy.

2. Welcome ceremony

- The National Assembly chairman presides over the welcome ceremony.

- Participants in the welcome ceremony shall be the wife (or husband) of the National Assembly chairman, if the wife (or husband) of the visiting National Assembly chairman accompanies the foreign delegation, the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s External Relations Commission, the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s Office, a number of National Assembly deputies and officials corresponding to the official members of the foreign delegation.

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3. Talks

As agreed upon, talks or meets for view exchange may be held between the two delegations.

4. Contacts

- The State President receives the guest.

- The General Secretary or the Prime Minister receives the guest, depending on the extent of relationship and the aspiration of the guest.

5. Reception

- The National Assembly chairman gives reception to the visiting National Assembly chairman. At the reception, the National Assembly chairman reads the welcome speech and the visiting National Assembly chairman reads the reply speech.

- Participants in the reception on the Vietnamese side are those who participate in the talks, the welcome and the see-off. In case of necessity, an additional number of officials and public figures who have good ties with the guest country can be invited to attend. On the guest’s side, the official members of the delegation, a number of accompanying officials and a number of the embassy’s diplomats are invited.

6. See-off ceremony

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- Participants in the see-off ceremony and people seeing off the guests to the airport shall be the same as for the welcome.

Article 15.- Receiving Deputy-Head of State

1. Greeting at the airport

Greeting the guests at the airport are deputy-director of the Office of the State President, the director of the External Relations Department of the State President’s Office, the director or deputy-director of the Protocol Department and of the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry, the ambassador and diplomats at the embassy of the guest country.

2. The welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace

- The State Vice-President presides over the welcome ceremony.

- Participants in the welcome ceremony shall be the wife (or husband) of the State Vice-President if the wife (or husband) of the visiting Deputy-Head of State accompanies the foreign delegation, a vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, a deputy-director of the State President’s Office and officials corresponding to the official members of the foreign delegation.

- The State Vice- President and his wife (or her husband) welcome the guests at the place where the limousine parks; the Guards of Honor stand in two lines in front of the veranda.

- Presenting flower bouquets to the visiting Deputy-Head of State and his wife (or her husband).

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- The State Vice-President and his wife (or her husband) and the visiting Deputy-Head of State and his wife (or her husband) take photo for keepsakes, then the State Vice-President receives the delegation.

3. Talks

As agreed upon, talks or meets for view exchange can be held between the two delegations.

4. Contacts

- The State President receives the guests.

- The General Secretary or the Prime Minister or the National Assembly chairman receives the guest, depending on the extent of relationship and the aspiration of the guest.

5. Reception

- The State Vice-President presides over the reception. At the reception, the State Vice-President delivers a welcome speech or proposes a toast. The visiting Deputy-Head of State delivers the reply speech.

- Participants in the reception on the Vietnamese side shall be those who take part in the talks, the welcome and the see-off. In case of necessity, an additional number of officials and public figures having good ties with the guest country may be invited to attend. On the guest�s side, the official members of the delegation, a number of accompanying officials and a number of embassy diplomats are invited.

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- The State Vice-President sees off the guests at the Presidential Palace. The State Vice-President and his wife (or her husband) bid farewell to the guests at the place where the limousine parks; present flower bouquets to the visiting Deputy- Head of State and his wife (or her husband); the Guards of Honor stand in two lines in front of the veranda.

- The participants in the see-off ceremony and the people seeing the delegation to the airport shall be the same as for the welcome.

Article 16.- Receiving Deputy- Prime Minister, National Assembly vice-Chairman, Foreign Minister

1. Greeting at the airport

- The directors or deputy-directors of the Protocol Department and the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry greet the visiting Deputy- Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister at the airport.

- The director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly’s Office greets the visiting National Assembly vice-chairman at the airport.

2. The welcome ceremony, talks and contacts

- The Deputy Prime Minister presides over the welcome ceremony and holds talks with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister. The participants therein correspond to the official members of the foreign delegation. The State President or the Prime Minister receives the guests.

- The National Assembly Vice- Chairman presides over the welcome ceremony and holds talks with the visiting National Assembly Vice- Chairman. The participants therein correspond to the official members of the foreign delegation. The National Assembly Chairman receives the guests.

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3. Reception

Participants in the reception on the Vietnamese side are those who take part in the talks, the welcome, the see-off.

In case of necessity, an additional number of officials and public figures having good ties with the guest country may be invited to attend.

4. Seeing off the delegation

No see-off ceremony is organized. The people seeing off the delegation to the airport shall be the same as for the welcome of the delegation.

Article 17.- Receiving Ministers, chairmen of the National Assembly Commissions or officials of the equivalent levels

1. Receiving ministers (or officials of equivalent level)

- The director of the External Relations Department of the host organization takes prime responsibility for greeting the delegation at the airport.

- The minister of the host ministry or agency presides over the welcome, talks and reception.

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- No see-off ceremony is organized. The people who see off the delegation to the airport shall be the same as for the welcome of the delegation.

The Defense Ministry shall stipulate the ceremony to welcome visiting Defense Ministers, Commanders- in- chief in a way suitable to the international practices and Vietnamese realities.

2. Receiving Chairmen of the National Assembly’s Committees (or officials of equivalent level)

- The director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly’s Office greets the guests at the airport.

- The chairmen of the host Commissions of the National Assembly preside over the welcome, talks and reception.

- The National Assembly Chairman or Vice-Chairman receives the guests.

- No see-off ceremony is organized. The people who see off the delegation to the airport shall be the same as for the welcome of the delegation.

Chapter IV

RECEPTION OF HIGH-LEVEL FOREIGN DELEGATIONS ON WORKING VISITS

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Chapter V

RECEPTION OF HIGH-LEVEL FOREIGN DELEGATIONS ON PERSONAL VISITS, TRANSIT

Article 19.- Receiving the Head of State, the Government Head, the National Assembly Chairman

1. On personal visit

- The director of the Protocol Department or of the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry welcomes and sees off the visiting Head of State, Government Head at the airport. No welcome ceremony and official contacts are organized. The State President gives a courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting Heads of State; the Prime Minister gives a courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting Government Heads.

- The director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly’s Office welcomes and sees off the visiting National Assembly Chairman at the airport. No welcome ceremony and official contacts are organized. The National Assembly Chairman gives a courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting National Assembly Chairman.

2. On transit

- A vice-minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes and sees off the visiting Head of State, Government Head at the airport. If a delegation requests a stay, we will arrange meals, accommodation and travel. If a delegation requests transit in a locality, the president of the People’s Committee of the province or centrally-run city (hereinafter called the provincial level for short) receives the delegation.

- The head or deputy-head of the External Relations Commission of the National Assembly or the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s Office welcomes and sees off the visiting National Assembly chairman at the airport. If the delegation requests a stay, we shall arrange meals, accommodation and travel. If the delegation transits in a locality, the chairman of the provincial-level People’s Council receives the delegation.

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1. On personal visit

The director or deputy-director of the Protocol Department or the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry welcomes and sees off the visiting Deputy-Head of State; The State Vice-President gives a courtesy meet and cordial reception.

2. On transit

Deputy-director of the State President’s Office welcomes the visiting Deputy-Head of State at the airport. If the delegation transits in a locality, the president of the provincial-level People�s Committee receives the delegation.

Article 21.- Receiving the Deputy- Prime Minister, the National Assembly Vice-Chairman, the Foreign Minister

1. On personal visit

- The director or deputy-director of the Protocol Department or the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry welcomes and sees off the visiting Deputy- Prime Minister at the airport. The Deputy- Prime Minister gives a courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting Deputy- Prime Minister.

- The director or deputy-director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly’s Office welcomes and sees off the visiting National Assembly Vice-Chairman at the airport. The National Assembly Vice-Chairman gives courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting National Assembly Vice-Chairman.

- The director or deputy-director of the Protocol Department or the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry welcomes and sees off the visiting Foreign Minister at the airport. The Foreign Minister gives courtesy meet and cordial reception to the visiting Foreign Minister.

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- The director or deputy-director of the Protocol Department or the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry welcomes and sees off the visiting Deputy- Prime Minister, Foreign Minister at the airport. If the delegation transits in a locality, the Vice-President of the provincial-level People�s Committee receives the delegation.

- The director or deputy-director of the External Relations Department of the National Assembly�s Office welcomes and sees off the visiting National Assembly Vice-Chairman at the airport. If the delegation transits in a locality, the Vice-Chairman of the provincial-level People’s Council receives the delegation.

Chapter VI

RECEIVING A NUMBER OF OTHER DELEGATIONS

Article 22.-

1. The levels of welcome accorded to the Senate Chairman, the House of Representatives Chairman, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) President shall be the same as those accorded to the National Assembly Chairman; the welcome accorded to the Senate Vice Chairman and the House of Representatives Vice-Chairman shall be the same as that accorded to the National Assembly Vice-Chairman.

2. The level of welcome accorded to the King’s successor or the Queen’s successor being guest of the State Vice-President shall be the same as that for the Deputy- Head of State.

3. The leadership of the Foreign Ministry assumes the prime responsibility to welcome, receive and give reception to the other Royal Family members being guests of the Foreign Ministry. The State Vice-President or the Deputy-Prime Minister gives a courtesy reception if so aspired by the guests.

4. Royal Family members who lead economic, cultural or social delegations being guests of any ministries or branches, the leadership of such ministries or branches assumes the prime responsibility to receive and give reception to the guests.

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6. The Foreign Ministry assumes the prime responsibility to welcome and receive the former Heads of State, Government Heads, former Deputy-Heads of State, Deputy- Prime Ministers on visits at the invitation of the State President, the Prime Minister, the State Vice-President, the Deputy- Prime Minister.

7. The National Assembly’s Office assumes the prime responsibility to receive the former National Assembly Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the guest countries, the Secretaries General of the AIPO, IPU and inter-parliamentary organizations being on visits at the invitation of the National Assembly Chairman or Vice Chairman.

8. The former Heads of State, Government Heads, National Assembly Chairmen, Deputy-Heads of State, Deputy- Prime Ministers, National Assembly Vice-Chairmen being guests of any agencies, such agencies shall assume the prime responsibility to welcome and receive the guests. The host agencies shall propose senior leaders to receive the guests if the latter so wish.

Chapter VII

OTHER STIPULATIONS ON RECEPTION OF FOREIGN HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATIONS

Article 23.- The wreath laying and paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and the wreath laying at the Monument

1. For the Head of State, the Government Head, the National Assembly Chairman, the Deputy-Head of State being on official visits:

- At President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the leadership of the Management Board of President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum welcomes and guides the delegation in laying wreaths and paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum.

- At the Monument, the leadership of the Management Board of President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum welcomes and guides the delegation in laying wreaths; the Guards of Honor stand in two lines. For a moment of silence, the military band plays the tune "Chieu hon tu si" (Calling up the war dead’s souls).

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Article 24.- Accompanying officials and position of Vietnamese ambassadors to the guest countries

1. Accompanying officials

- A minister or the director of the State President’s Office accompanies the guest Head of State on official visit or working visit.

- A minister or a vice-minister accompanies the guest Government Head on official visit or working visit.

- The head or deputy-head of the External Relations Commission of the National Assembly or the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s Office accompanies the guest National Assembly Chairman on official visit or working visit.

2. The position of Vietnamese ambassadors to the guest countries

In all external activities, the position of the Vietnamese ambassador to the guest country is immediately after the positions of the Government members.

Article 25.- Flag flying and decoration

1. For the Head of State, the Government Head being on official visit: At the airport, the national flags of the two countries are flown and welcome slogans are hung; the front gate of the Presidential Palace and some places along the main routes where the delegation travels through are decorated with clumps of the two countries’ banners and welcome slogans in Vietnamese language and the language of the guest country or in English/French; at the place where the delegation head stays and on his/her limousine, the two countries’ national flags are flown.

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2. For the National Assembly chairman, the Deputy Head of State on official visit, the two countries’ national flags are flown at the airport, the reception venue, the chief delegate’s accommodation place and on his/her car.

3. For the Deputy-Prime Minister, the National Assembly Vice-Chairman, the Foreign Minister on official visit or working visit: the two countries’ national flags are flown at the reception venues and on the car of the chief delegate.

4. When welcoming, seeing off the Head of State, the Government Head, the National Assembly Chairman and the Deputy-Head of State on official visit, working visit, red carpet is laid from the ramp of the airplane to the place where his/her limousine parks.

Article 26.- Motorcade, way-clearance vehicles

1. The limousine of the Head of State on official visit is escorted by 8 motorcycles and led by police cars. The vehicle of the Government Head on official visit is escorted by 6 motorcycles and led by police cars. The motorcades apply only to formal activities in Hanoi capital and Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Foreign delegations coming for working visits, personal visits, or on transit are not escorted by motorcades.

3. Delegations of the level of minister, head of the National Assembly Commission or higher level, being on official visits, working visits, personal visits, transit are led by police cars in formal activities.

Article 27.- Payment of expenses

The payment of expenses for foreign delegations visiting Vietnam shall comply with international practices and on the reciprocal basis. The Finance Ministry and the Foreign Ministry guide the implementation of this regulation.

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Presents are presented to the chief delegates and their wives (or husband) of the delegations on official visits, working visits or personal visits. For special cases, presents will be presented to the official members and accompanying officials. The presents are produced by Vietnam and reflect the nation’s cultural identity.

Article 29.- Welcoming and seeing off foreign high-level delegations coming and leaving by land, railway and/or waterway

Welcoming and seeing off foreign high-level delegations coming and leaving by land, railway and/or waterway are similar to the welcoming and seeing off the delegations which come and leave by air but are conducted according to our country’s practical capability.

Article 30.- Welcoming, seeing off foreign high-level delegations touring localities

- When foreign Heads of State, Government Heads, Deputy-Heads of State visiting localities, representatives of the leadership of the provincial-level People’s Committees welcome, see off the delegations at the airport if they come and leave by air, at their provincial boundaries if they travel by land, at ports if they travel by waterways. For foreign National Assembly Chairmen, the representatives of the leadership of the provincial-level People’s Councils welcome and see off the delegations at the airport if they travel by air, at their provincial boundaries if they travel by land, at ports if they travel by waterways.

- When welcoming and receiving foreign high-level delegations on visits to localities, high esteem, thoughtfulness and economy should be ensured; no review of honor guards, no welcome meeting is organized; only welcome venues are decorated with flags and slogans if the delegations are on official visits. A reception or cordial get-together is organized; invited thereto on the Vietnamese side are those who directly work with the delegations and on the guest’s side, the official members of the delegations and a number of accompanying officials.

- The host agencies shall have to guide the localities in protocol procedures and proper programs for reception of the delegation.

Chapter VIII

SEEING OFF AND WELCOMING BACK VIETNAMESE HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATIONS ON OVERSEAS TOURS

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1. The director or deputy-director of the Office of the Party Central Committee and the head or deputy-head of the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission see off and welcome back the General Secretary.

2. The director or deputy-director of the State President’s Office sees off and welcomes back the State President, the State Vice-President.

3. The minister-director or deputy-director of the Government Office sees off and welcomes back the Prime Minister.

4. The head or deputy-head of the External Relations Commission of the National Assembly and the director or deputy-director of the National Assembly’s Office see off and welcome back the National Assembly Chairman.

Chapter IX

SOME CEREMONIES FOR THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN HANOI

Article 32.- Presentation of credentials by ambassadors

1. The ambassadors present credentials to the State President at the Presidential Palace. Present at the credentials- presenting ceremony are director or deputy-director of the State President’s Office, a vice - minister for Foreign Affairs, the director of the Protocol Department and the director of the Regional Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry.

2. The director of the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry receives the ambassadors to accept the copies of the Credentials and introduce the credentials-presenting ceremony to them.

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Article 33.- Ambassadors pay courtesy and farewell visits

The Foreign Ministry arranges time for the ambassadors to pay courtesy visits to the Prime Minister, the National Assembly Chairman and the Foreign Minister after their presentation of credentials and to pay a farewell visits to the State President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister before ending their terms of office in Vietnam. The arrangement of courtesy visits and farewell visits to senior leaders by the cross-accredited ambassadors shall be the same as for the residence ambassadors, but depend on the concrete time and circumstances.

Article 34.- Receiving heads of representative offices of international organizations

The Prime Minister collectively receives the heads of the international organizations’ representative offices in Hanoi on the occasion of the United Nations’ founding anniversary on October 24 every year.

Other contacts with leaders shall be considered and proposed by the Foreign Ministry and the host agencies.

Article 35.- Attending foreign countries’ National Day receptions in Hanoi

1. In odd years and round years

A Minister or a Vice-Minister is the key guest at the foreign countries’ National Day receptions in Hanoi. The key guest is equivalent in rank to the leading official of the foreign country attending our country’s National Day reception. The key guest proposes toasts.

2. In the even years

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Article 36.- The Diplomatic Corps and the chief representatives of international organizations in Hanoi attend the opening sessions of the National Assembly

Annually, the Diplomatic Corps and the chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi are invited to attend the opening sessions of the National Assembly.

Article 37.- Besides the regulations on contacts with the Diplomatic Corps as mentioned in this Decree, those agencies, localities or individuals requesting to meet or invite the entire Diplomatic Corps to attend activities must consult with the Foreign Ministry.

Chapter X

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 38.- In order to uniformly manage the reception of foreign guests by senior leaders, the host agencies arrange the guests social calls to Party leaders via the External Relations Commission of the Party Central Committee; to the State President or State Vice-President via the State President’s Office; to the Prime Minister via the Government’s Office; and to the National Assembly Chairman or Vice-Chairman via the National Assembly’s Office.

The Foreign Ministry acts as a coordinator arranging, through the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, the State President’s Office, the National Assembly’s Office and the Government’s Office, reception of the Diplomatic Corps and chief representatives of the international organizations in Hanoi by leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly and the Government.

Article 39.-

1. The Foreign Ministry assumes the prime responsibility and coordinates with the Ministry of Culture and Information in guiding the implementation of this Decree.

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3. The celebration of big anniversaries shall comply with the provisions in Chapter II of this Decree. For special cases, the Government shall provide specific instructions. For other provinces and centrally-run cities not mentioned in this Decree, the celebration of big anniversaries shall be carried out in conformity with the practical conditions of their respective localities.

Article 40.- Implementation effect

1. This Decree takes effect 15 days after its signing and replaces the stipulations on celebration of big anniversaries and reception of foreign guests in Decree No. 186-HDBT of June 2, 1992 of the Council of Ministers, promulgating the "Regulation on a number of State ceremonies and reception of foreign guests."

2. The ministers, the heads of the ministerial-level agencies, the heads of the agencies attached to the Government and the presidents of the People’s Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities shall have to implement this Decree.

ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT
PRIME MINISTER




Phan Van Khai

Nghị định 82/2001/NĐ-CP về nghi lễ Nhà nước và đón tiếp khách nước ngoài