Hanoi, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
On Thursday 24 May 2018, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, attended breakfast with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Nguyen Xuan Phuc, at the International Convention Centre, Hanoi.
Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove laid wreaths during ceremonies at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs, and at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Later, the Governor-General, and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Tran Dai Quang and Her Excellency Madam Nguyen Thi Hien, attended a Ceremonial Welcome at the Presidential Palace, Hanoi.
Then, the Governor-General met with President Quang, and Lady Cosgrove met with Madam Hien. Following the meeting, the Governor-General and President Quang held a joint press conference with Vietnamese media.
Afterwards, as guests of President Quang and Madam Hien, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a State Lunch at the International Convention Centre.
In the afternoon, the Governor-General met with the Chairperson of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Her Excellency Mrs Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, at the National Assembly House.
Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Australian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Craig Chittick, met with staff - and recognised long-serving locally engaged staff - at the Australian Embassy.
Later, the Governor-General met with the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Nguyen Phu Trong, at the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Then, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove were farewelled from Hanoi at Noi Bai International Airport.
In the evening, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove were welcomed to Ho Chi Minh City by Ms Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul-General, and His Excellency Mr Huynh Cach Mang, Vice Chairman, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, at the Ho Chi Minh City International Airport.