Circular No. 05/2017/TT-BNG guiding foreign protocol and reception of foreign guests visiting localities

CIRCULAR

Guidelines on diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting localities

for inspection

 On the basis of Decree No. 26/2017/NĐ-CPdated March 14, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

On the basis of Decree Decision No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October the 10 Article 2. The receipt, handling of reflections and petitions from individuals and organizations concerning administrative regulations shall be carried out in accordance with Decree No. 20/2008/NĐ-CP dated February 14, 2008 of the Government on the receipt, handling of reflections and petitions from individuals and organizations concerning administrative regulations (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 48/2013/NĐ-CP dated May 14, 2013 on amending and supplementing certain articles of decrees related to administrative procedure control and Decree No. 92/2017/NĐ-CP dated August 7, 2017 on amending and supplementing certain articles of decrees related to administrative procedure control).29 of the Government, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP regarding commemoration days; awarding and receiving award ceremonies; diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests lvisiting localities;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Director of the State Reception Agency;

The Minister of Foreign Affairs promulgates These guidelines provide for diplomatic lẽ etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting localities.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. These guidelines provide for diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as provinces or localities).

Article 2. These guidelines apply to state agencies; political organizations; socio-political organizations, socio-professional organizations, social organizations, economic organizations (hereinafter collectively referred to as mass organizations); people's armed forces units at localities implementing diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting localities.

Article 2. Principles for organizing diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting localities

Clause 1. Diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests visiting localities must be consistent with political requirements, foreign policy guidelines of the Party and the State, comply with Vietnamese laws, international laws, and international practices to contribute to strengthening and expanding friendly relations and cooperation between Vietnam and countries, regions, and international organizations.

Clause 2. The level and organization of reception for foreign guests visiting localities must conform to regulations on unified management of foreign affairs activities of the Party and the State; based on the purpose and objectives of the visit; principles of equality in international relations; respect, thoroughness, safety, effectiveness, practicality, economy, no waste, no ostentation, and suitability to the actual conditions of the locality.

Article 3. Reception of foreign guests visiting localities upon invitation from Senior Leaders and Central Agencies

Clause 1. Foreign guests visiting Vietnam upon invitation from Senior Leaders of the Party and State; leaders of ministries, sectors, agencies under the National Assembly, and central mass organizations within their program to visit Vietnam and include visits to localities: The diplomatic etiquette and reception of these guests at the localities shall be carried out in accordance with Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on the organization of commemoration days; awarding and receiving award ceremonies; diplomatic etiquette and reception of foreign guests (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP) and direct guidance from the central agency in charge of the reception.

Clause 2. Foreign guests visiting Vietnam (program only visiting localities) upon invitation from Senior Leaders of the Party and State; leaders of ministries, sectors, agencies under the National Assembly, and central mass organizations where the provincial leaders or provincial-level mass organizations are authorized to represent and host the reception: Depending on the rank, position of the guest and the nature of the visit, the level and organization of reception shall be carried out according to the provisions of Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP or the provisions of this Circular and the instructions and guidance of relevant central agencies, specifically as follows:

Point a) Central Committee Office: If the guest is invited by the Leaders of the Party, the Central Office, and the Party's departments.

Point b) Ministry of Foreign Affairs: If the guest is invited bythe President and Vice President of the State, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Point c) National Assembly Office: If the guest is invited by the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the National Assembly, the leadership of the National Assembly Office, and the leadership of the committees and departments of the National Assembly.

Point d) Corresponding to ministries, sectors, and central mass organizations: If the guest is invited by the leadership of ministries, sectors, and central mass organizations.

Article 4. Receiving foreign guests visiting localities according to party relations and armed forces

1. Guests are leaders of foreign ruling parties or organizations of foreign ruling parties at local levels having formal relations with the Communist Party of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the ruling party) visiting localities upon invitation from the Provincial Party Committee, provincial leadership, and local Party committees at various levels according to party relations, reception ceremonies, and organization shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations of the Party and guidelines of the Central Foreign Relations Commission.

2. Foreign guests are military, police, public security, and security forces visiting localities upon invitation from local people's armed forces units (military and public security), reception ceremonies shall be organized in accordance with the regulations of the Government, Prime Minister, and guidelines of the Ministry of National Defense or the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 5. Definitions

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. "Foreign locality" is a subject directly under the central government of a foreign country, which may be a republic, state, autonomous region, province, city, or territory equivalent to the level of a province or centrally governed city in Vietnam depending on each country’s administrative organization.

2. "High-level local leader of a foreign locality" refers to the head of the ruling party organization at a foreign locality, the head of the government or the head of the local elected body at a foreign locality who is also a high-level leader of the ruling party or the ruling party organization at that foreign locality, the head of the local government at a foreign locality, the head of the local elected body at a foreign locality, and is a counterpart of the Provincial Party Secretary, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (hereinafter referred to as high-level provincial leaders).

3. "Provincial mass organizations" refer to provincial-level agencies of political-social organizations, political-social-professional organizations, social-professional organizations, social organizations, and economic organizations. "District-level mass organizations" refer to district-level agencies, townships, and equivalents of the aforementioned organizations.

4. "District-level foreign local leader" refers to the head of the ruling party organization at the district level, the head of the government at the district level, or the head of the elected body at the district level who is also a leader of the ruling party organization, the head of the district-level government, the head of the district-level elected body, and the equivalent administrative level in another country and their deputies, counterparts of the District Party Secretary and Deputy Secretaries, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the District People's Committee, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the District People's Council, and leaders of equivalent administrative levels subordinate to provinces or centrally governed cities in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as district-level leaders).

5. "Official visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city", "Working visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city)" and "Visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city)" are titles for visits, indicating the nature of the visit for foreign guests invited by localities, where an official visit is a visit organized by the locality with the highest level of hospitality.

"Personal visit" is a visit to Vietnam by foreign guests in a personal capacity with the purpose of sightseeing, tourism, medical treatment, or rest.

6. "Invited guest to participate in events at the locality" refers to foreign guests invited by the locality to attend events organized by the locality: National holidays; local holidays; Tet; trade fairs; international conferences and seminars; festivals; international sports competitions; groundbreaking and completion ceremonies for projects and construction works.

7. "Consular delegation" refers to the collective heads of foreign Consulates General and Consulates (hereinafter referred to as Consular Offices) located in a Vietnamese locality.

8. "Foreign representative office in Vietnam" refers to Embassies; Consulates General, Consulates, and Representative offices of international organizations belonging to the United Nations or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam.

Chapter II

RECEIVING FOREIGN GUESTS VISITING ACCORDING TO INVITATIONS FROM LOCALITIES

Article 6. Foreign guests visiting localities upon invitation

Foreign guests visiting localities upon invitation include:

1. Former high-ranking leaders of foreign countries; leaders and former leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of foreign national assemblies; leaders and former leaders of foreign localities; leaders and former leaders of international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and organizations under the United Nations; leaders of agencies under ministries, agencies, commissions of foreign national assemblies; leaders of agencies under international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and organizations under the United Nations and equivalent levels.

2. Leaders of departments of foreign localities; leaders of counties in foreign localities; leaders of provincial-level associations and county-level associations of foreign localities and equivalent levels.

3. Heads and members of foreign representative offices in Vietnam.

4. Representatives of foreign economic, trade, non-governmental organizations, and other foreign organizations and individuals.

Article 7. Titles for foreign guests visiting localities

1. "Official visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city)" is the title for visits by foreign guests who are leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of foreign national assemblies; members of foreign royal families; leaders of international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and organizations under the United Nations; senior leaders of foreign localities and equivalent levels, visiting localities upon formal invitations from senior provincial leaders (Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of the Province, Chairman of the People's Committee of the Province).

2. "Working visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city)" is the title for visits by foreign guests who are deputy leaders of "senior leaders of foreign localities"; leaders of agencies under ministries, agencies, commissions of foreign national assemblies; leaders of agencies under international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and organizations under the United Nations and equivalent levels, visiting localities upon formal invitations from Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of the Province, Deputy Chairman of the People's Council of the Province.

3. "Visit to province/city (name of centrally governed province/city)" is the title for visits by foreign guests who are leaders of departments of foreign localities; leaders of counties in foreign localities; leaders of provincial and county-level associations of foreign localities and other foreign guests visiting localities upon invitations from provincial leaders; leaders of departments; leaders of counties; leaders of provincial-level associations and county-level associations of localities in Vietnam.

Article 8. Coordination with central agencies when inviting and receiving foreign guests who were former high-ranking leaders of foreign countries; leaders and former leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of foreign national assemblies; members of foreign royal families; leaders and former leaders of international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and organizations under the United Nations and equivalent levels, visiting localities upon invitations from provincial leaders

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Seeking formal opinions before inviting and consulting on plans for welcoming and hosting guests who are: Members of foreign royal families; former Heads of State, former Heads of Government, former Deputy Heads of State, former Deputy Heads of Government of foreign countries; leaders and former leaders of foreign Ministries of Foreign Affairs; leaders and former leaders of international intergovernmental organizations and organizations under the United Nations.

2. Central External Relations Board: Seeking formal opinions before inviting and consulting on plans for welcoming and hosting guests who are: Leaders and former leaders of ruling parties of foreign countries; leaders and former leaders of corresponding levels of ruling parties of foreign countries.

3. National Assembly Office: Seeking formal opinions before inviting and consulting on plans for welcoming and hosting guests who are: Former Chairmen of the National Assembly, former Vice Chairmen of the National Assembly, leaders and former leaders of foreign National Assembly commissions and equivalent levels; leaders and former leaders of international parliamentary organizations.

4. Corresponding Ministries and Agencies: Seeking formal opinions before inviting and consulting on plans for welcoming and hosting guests who are: Leaders and former leaders of foreign ministries and agencies and equivalent levels.

Article 9. Welcoming foreign guests for official visits to localities

1. Welcoming and seeing off at the airport:

a) Participants:

Chairperson: The Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Head of the People's Committee Office of the province (for provinces without a Department of Foreign Affairs/Head of the Provincial Party Committee Office if the guest is the Head of the ruling political organization at the provincial level of the foreign country, the leader of the ruling political party of the foreign country, or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level who is also the Head of the Government or the elected body of the foreign country invited by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and other guests invited by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee)/the Head of the People's Council Office (if the guest is the Head of the elected body at the provincial level of the foreign country invited by the Chairman of the People's Council and other guests invited by the Chairman of the People's Council).

Representatives from the embassy, consular office of the guest country; representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam (if present and participating). Representatives from organizations and citizens of the guest country in the locality (if present and requested to participate).

b) Method:

Arrange VIP rooms for welcoming and seeing off guests at the airport. Depending on conditions and aviation security regulations at the airport, arrange for welcoming and seeing off the delegation at the bottom of the airplane stairs, at the end of the jet bridge, or at a suitable dignified location appropriate for VIP guests.

Present flowers to the Head of the Delegation and Spouse (if present).

2. Welcoming ceremony:

a) Location: At the provincial agency headquarters/guesthouse or at an appropriate location.

b) Organization:

Chairperson: The person inviting the guest (hereinafter referred to as the main host);

Participants: Spouse/main host (if present); participants in welcoming and seeing off the delegation at the airport; leaders of relevant departments, districts, and mass organizations corresponding to the composition of the delegation and consistent with the purpose and requirements of the visit.

In case the main host is the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee:

If the guest is the Head of the ruling political organization at the provincial level of the foreign country, the leader of the ruling political party, or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level who is also the Head of the Government of the foreign country, the Head of the Government of the foreign country: A leader of the People's Committee of the province will attend.

If the guest is the leader of the ruling political party or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level who is also the Head of the elected body of the foreign country, the Head of the elected body of the foreign country: A leader of the People's Council of the province will attend.

For other foreign guests: Arrange for leaders of the People's Committee and the People's Council to attend the welcoming ceremony as decided by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee based on the bilateral relationship requirements and the purpose and content of the visit.

Method:

The main host and Spouse (if present) will welcome the Head of the Guest Delegation and Spouse (if present) at the parking area.

Present flowers to the Head of the Guest Delegation and Spouse (if present).

The main host introduces the members of the host side to the Head of the Guest Delegation and Spouse (if present). The Head of the Guest Delegation introduces the members of the delegation to the main host and Spouse (if present).

The main host, the Head of the Guest Delegation, and Spouses (if present) take a group photo. The positions for the photo are arranged facing each other, from left to right as follows: Spouse of the guest (if present), Head of the Guest Delegation, main host, and Spouse of the main host (if present).

The main host and Spouse (if present) extend greetings to the delegation.

3. Working talks:

Chairperson: Two Heads of Delegations.

Location: At the provincial agency headquarters/guesthouse or at an appropriate location.

Participants from the province: Corresponding to the composition of the working talks delegation and the requirements of the content to be discussed.

If the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee chairs the talks, those attending will include:

a) If the guest is the Head of the ruling political organization at the provincial level of the foreign country, the leader of the ruling political party, or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level who is also the Head of the Government of the foreign country, the Head of the Government of the foreign country: A leader of the People's Committee of the province.

b) If the guest is the leader of the ruling political party or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level who is also the Head of the elected body of the foreign country, the Head of the elected body of the foreign country: A leader of the People's Council of the province.

c) For other foreign guests: Arrange for leaders of the People's Committee and the People's Council to attend the talks as decided by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee based on the bilateral relationship requirements and the content of the talks.

Bilateral meeting: Based on the specific requirements and conditions of the visit, the two Heads of Delegations may meet bilaterally.

4. Talks with partners:

a) If the main host is the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, in addition to the talks chaired by the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, separate talks can be organized in accordance with the content of work and the wishes of the guest:

If the guest is the Head of the Government of the foreign country who is also the leader of the ruling political party or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level of the foreign country, the Head of the Government of the foreign country, separate talks can be organized with the People's Committee of the province chaired by the Chairman of the People's Committee.

If the guest is the Head of the elected body of the foreign country who is also the leader of the ruling political party or the leader of the ruling political organization at the provincial level of the foreign country, the Head of the elected body of the foreign country, separate talks can be organized with the People's Council of the province chaired by the Chairman of the People's Council.

For other foreign guests: Arrange separate talks with leaders of the People's Committee and the People's Council based on the bilateral relationship requirements, the purpose of the visit, the content of work, and the request of the guest.

b) Separate meetings with members of the delegation: Leaders of departments, districts, and mass organizations can organize separate meetings with counterparts who are members of the delegation.

5. Banquet:

a) Chairperson: The main host and Spouse (if present).

b) Participants:

From Vietnam: Participants in the welcoming ceremony, working talks, and welcoming and seeing off at the airport.

From the guest side: Members of the delegation; representatives from the embassy, consular office of the guest country, representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam (if present).

c) Ceremonial procedures: The main host delivers a welcoming speech and proposes a toast. The Head of the Guest Delegation responds.

Depending on local conditions, some local特色的艺术表演节目 may be organized during the reception.

6. Diplomatic Reception: The Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee will host diplomatic receptions for the head of the foreign government, the head of the foreign legislative body, and other foreign guests visiting the province upon invitation from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, in accordance with the purpose of the visit and the wishes of the guests.

7. Farewell Ceremony: No farewell ceremony shall be organized.

8. Sightseeing: If time permits and according to the reception requirements and the wishes of the guests, arrangements can be made for the guests to visit organizations, facilities, historical sites, or scenic spots.

Depending on the requirements and nature of the sightseeing program, a provincial leader or the person responsible for welcoming and seeing off at the airport (as stipulated in Point a, Clause 1) may accompany the delegation on the tour.

9. For special guests: The following reception measures may be considered:

a) Welcoming at the airport: A provincial leader or the main host will welcome the delegation at the airport.

b) Reception: Invite some provincial leaders, mass organizations, friendship associations with the guest country (if any), intellectuals, representatives of organizations and enterprises with close ties to the guest country in the locality (Vietnamese enterprises, foreign investments, or joint ventures with the guest country), and representatives of some outstanding citizens of the guest country working or studying in the locality (if any) to attend the reception.

c) Inviting to a private dinner: In addition to the reception hosted by the main host, another senior provincial leader along with his/her spouse (if any) may invite the guests to a private dinner. The attendees for the private dinner should only include important members of the delegation or just the head of the delegation and his/her spouse (if any).

Article 10. Receiving Foreign Guests Visiting the Local Area

1. Welcoming and seeing off at the airport:

a) Participants:

Host: The leader of the Department of Foreign Affairs or the leader of the Provincial People's Committee Office for provinces without a Department of Foreign Affairs/leader of the Provincial Party Committee Office (if the guest visits upon invitation from a provincial leader with the title of Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee)/leader of the Provincial People's Council Office (if the guest visits upon invitation from a provincial leader with the title of Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Council).

Representatives of the Embassy, Consular Office of the guest country, and the office of international organizations in Vietnam (if any and if requested to participate).

b) Method:

Present flowers to the Head of the Guest Delegation and Spouse (if present).

For foreign local government leaders and equivalent levels: The method of welcoming and seeing off at the airport is similar to that for officially invited guests.

For other invited guests: Welcoming and seeing off guests at the departure and arrival terminals.

2. Welcoming, Holding Talks, and Other Activities:

No welcoming ceremony shall be organized.

The host, venue, and participants for talks between the two delegations and other activities during the visit: Principles similar to those for officially invited foreign guests.

3. Greeting Senior Leaders of the Province:

Based on relations, reception requirements, guest requests, and the content of exchanges, arrange for senior provincial leaders to meet:

a) The Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee meets: Deputies of the head of the ruling party organization of the foreign local government, deputies of the head of the foreign local government or legislative body who are also leaders of the ruling party or ruling party organization in the foreign local government and are invited guests of the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

b) The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee meets: Deputies of the head of the foreign local government who are invited guests of the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

c) The Chairman of the Provincial People's Council meets: Deputies of the head of the foreign local legislative body who are invited guests of the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Council.

d) For other foreign guests: Arrange for the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, or the Chairman of the Provincial People's Council to greet the delegation based on the relationship between the two sides, the purpose of the visit, the content of work, and the guest's request.

4. Reception:

a) Chairperson: The main host and Spouse (if present).

b) Participants:

Vietnam side: Those involved in welcoming and seeing off at the airport; those participating in talks.

Guest side: Members of the delegation; representatives of the Embassy, Consular Office of the guest country; office of international organizations in Vietnam (if any).

c) Ceremonial procedures: The main host delivers a welcoming speech and proposes a toast. The Head of the Guest Delegation responds.

5. For special guests: The following reception measures may be considered:

a) Inviting to a private dinner: It may be arranged for a senior provincial leader along with his/her spouse (if any) to invite the guests to a private dinner. The attendees for the private dinner should only include important members of the delegation or just the head of the delegation and his/her spouse (if any).

b) Diplomatic Reception: In addition to being hosted by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, arrange for the guests to meet the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in accordance with the wishes of the guests.

Article 11. Welcoming former high-level leaders of foreign countries; former leaders of foreign ministries, agencies, commissions of the National Assembly; former leaders of foreign localities; former leaders of international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, and former leaders of United Nations organizations visiting localities upon invitation from localities.

1. Welcoming and seeing off at the airport:

a) Participants:

Chairperson: The leader of the Department of Foreign Affairs or the leader of the People's Committee Office at the provincial level for provinces without a Department of Foreign Affairs/the leader of the Provincial Party Committee Office (if the guest visits upon invitation from the Provincial Party Committee leader)/the leader of the People's Council Office at the provincial level (if the guest visits upon invitation from the Provincial People's Council leader).

Representatives of the Embassy, Consular Agency of the guest country; Representative Office of international organizations in Vietnam (if present and requested to attend).

b) Method: Similar to the reception for official visitors to localities.

Article 2. Reception of Delegations:

a) Chairperson: The main host and Spouse (if present).

b) Participants:

Vietnamese side: Participants in welcoming and seeing off at the airport; representatives of relevant agencies and organizations related to the purpose of the visit.

Customer's side: Guests: Members of the delegation; representatives of the Embassy, Consular Agency of the guest country; Representative Office of international organizations in Vietnam (if present).

Article 3. Banquet:

a) Chairperson: The main host and Spouse (if present).

b) Participants:

Vietnamese side: Participants in welcoming and seeing off at the airport and attending the reception; former provincial leaders (who established relations with the guest when in office).

Guest side: Members of the delegation; representatives of the Embassy, Consular Agency of the guest country; Representative Office of international organizations in Vietnam (if present).

c) Ceremonial procedures: The main host delivers a welcoming speech and proposes a toast. The Head of the Guest Delegation responds.

4. Other Activities: Organizing other activities for guests during their visit to Vietnam shall be appropriate to the requirements, purposes of the visit, and the wishes of the guests.

Article 5. Social receptions for guests invited by the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee, and Deputy Chairman of the People's Council at the provincial level.: A senior provincial leader will welcome the delegation or welcome and invite them to a private dinner.

Article 12. Welcoming and receiving foreign leaders of local departments and agencies; leaders of local counties; leaders of subordinate agencies under ministries, departments, commissions of the National Assembly; leaders of agencies under international intergovernmental organizations, inter-parliamentary organizations, United Nations organizations, and equivalent levels visiting localities.

1. Organization of welcoming, seeing off, working sessions, banquets, and programs of activities:

a) Organization of welcoming and receiving: The agency or organization hosting the guest organizes welcoming, seeing off, and activities of the delegation during their visit to the locality.

b) Chairperson of welcoming and receiving: Host.

c) Local participants in working sessions and banquets: Corresponding to members of the delegation and representatives of the leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs/representatives of the leadership of the People's Committee Office if the locality does not have a Department of Foreign Affairs; representatives of relevant departments and agencies related to the content of the visit.

2. Social receptions: A senior provincial leader will welcome the delegation if they are invited by leaders of departments, agencies, counties, and provincial-level organizations.

For guests invited to visit and work in remote districts, arrangements will be made based on the specific requirements and conditions of the visit.

Article 13. Welcoming and receiving foreign guests participating in events organized by the province.

Welcoming and receiving foreign guests participating in events organized or hosted by localities shall be carried out according to approved plans and projects by competent authorities; in accordance with relevant regulations of Vietnam, international practices, and the practices of that international event, and actual local conditions.

1. Welcoming and seeing off: Welcoming and seeing off shall only be organized at the airport or border gate, railway station, seaport when guests arrive and depart. A team consisting of some officials led by a department-level leader will be responsible for welcoming, seeing off, and assisting guests with procedures upon arrival and departure.

2. Banquet: Foreign guests participating in the event are invited to attend a general banquet according to the program.

A senior provincial leader and spouse (if present) may organize a smaller banquet with the heads of delegations and spouses (if present), and possibly some important members of each delegation.

3. Working Sessions: In addition to the general program of the event, if there is a need to exchange about bilateral relations, the province will organize separate working sessions with the delegation.

4. Sightseeing: Arrange a program for guests to visit local facilities related to the event, Vietnamese scenic spots, as part of the event or as a sideline activity.

Article 14. Welcoming and seeing off foreign visitors at border gates, railway stations, and seaports

Method: Similar to welcoming and seeing off at airports, adapted to the actual conditions at border gates, railway stations, and seaports.

Participants: In addition to those involved in welcoming and seeing off at airports, representatives from border gate management agencies, railway stations, and seaports shall also be present.

Article 15. Welcoming and seeing off foreign visitors traveling through provinces by road (visiting two or more locations within their program in Vietnam)

At provincial boundaries, technical welcoming and seeing off shall be organized with participants similar to those at airports.

If the infrastructure along the route in the provincial boundary area allows, the convoy may stop for the province to see off and bid farewell, and to welcome the delegation. If the infrastructure does not meet the requirements, the convoy will not stop; police escort vehicles (if any) and vehicles carrying provincial officials going to see off will separate from the convoy, while police escort vehicles (if any) and vehicles carrying provincial officials coming to welcome will join the convoy according to the convoy formation plan.

Article 16. Welcoming and seeing off the Heads of Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam for social calls, farewells to provincial leaders, or visits and work trips to the province, and members of Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam visiting and working in localities

1. Arranging visits:

a) Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam: Coordinate with the province to arrange programs and independently arrange logistics, accommodation, and transportation during visits and work trips to localities.

b) The province coordinates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange welcoming and seeing off:

With the National Reception Bureau and Regional Department: For foreign Ambassadors and Chargés d'Affaires in Hanoi making social calls after assuming duties and farewelling provincial leaders before the end of their term in Vietnam.

With the Regional Department: For foreign Ambassadors, Chargés d'Affaires, and diplomatic officials in Hanoi visiting and working with localities.

With the Department of International Organizations: For heads or members of representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations and other intergovernmental international organizations in Vietnam making social calls and farewelling provincial leaders; visiting and working with localities.

With the Consular Service Bureau and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs (if there is a foreign Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City): For Consuls General, consular officials in Vietnam making social calls and farewelling provincial leaders; visiting and working with localities.

2. Organizing welcoming and seeing off:

a) Program organization: Arrange for guests to greet and work with provincial leaders and work with departments, mass organizations, or facilities in accordance with the requirements and purposes of the visit and of the locality.

b) Participants joining provincial leaders in welcoming and working: Leaders of the Department of Foreign Affairs or leaders of the People's Committee Office if the province does not have a Department of Foreign Affairs (if the People's Committee leader welcomes)/leaders of the Provincial Party Committee Office (if the Provincial Party Committee leader welcomes)/leaders of the Provincial People's Council Office (if the Provincial People's Council leader welcomes), and representatives from relevant departments, sectors, districts, towns, in accordance with the requirements and content of the meeting and work session.

Article 17. Welcoming and seeing off Diplomatic Delegations and Consular Delegations visiting localities or attending events organized by localities

1. Coordinating the organization of welcoming and seeing off:

a) The provincial leader hosts invitations for Diplomatic Delegations in Hanoi, Consular Delegations in localities, or some Heads of Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam to visit or attend events organized by localities.

b) The province shall issue formal letters to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before issuing invitations.

2. Principles for seating arrangements of Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam when attending events

a) Order among Embassies or among Consulates-General: Alphabetical order based on the Vietnamese name of the country.

b) Seating arrangement within the Diplomatic Delegation (Ambassadors, Chargés d'Affaires, and Acting Chargés d'Affaires):

By order of the Head of the Embassy: The head of the Diplomatic Delegation and other Ambassadors in the order of presenting credentials to the President, followed by Chargés d'Affaires and Acting Chargés d'Affaires in the order of being introduced to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By order of blocks within the Diplomatic Delegation: The head of the Diplomatic Delegation, block of Ambassadors, block of Chargés d'Affaires, and block of Acting Chargés d'Affaires.

c) Seating arrangement within the Consular Delegation (Consuls-General):

By order of Consuls-General: The head of the Consular Delegation and other Consuls-General in the order of officially receiving Letters of Credence (Exequatur).

By order of blocks within the Consular Delegation: The head of the Consular Delegation, block of Heads of Consular Agencies, and block of representatives of Consular Agencies (representing Heads of Consular Agencies).

d) Seating arrangement by blocks of Foreign Representative Agencies in Vietnam: Block of Embassies, block of Representative Offices of international organizations under the United Nations and other intergovernmental international organizations, block of Consular Agencies.

đ) The National Reception Bureau is responsible for regularly updating lists of Diplomatic Delegations; the Consular Service Bureau and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs (for Consular Agencies in Ho Chi Minh City) are responsible for regularly updating lists of Consular Delegations in localities and providing them to localities upon request.

Article 18. Hoisting foreign national flags to welcome foreign guests at local level

1. General provisions:

a) Only hoist foreign national flags; United Nations flag or intergovernmental international organization flag when hoisting together with the Vietnamese National Flag.

b) Only hoist foreign national flags when that country has established formal diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

c) For visits by senior foreign local leaders, only hoist the guest's local flag (if available and requested by the guest) when hoisting together with the Vietnamese National Flag and the guest's national flag.

d) When hoisting the Vietnamese National Flag together with the guest's national flag or the United Nations flag, or the flag of an intergovernmental international organization: The Vietnamese National Flag on the right, the guest's national flag or the United Nations flag, or the flag of an intergovernmental international organization on the left from the perspective of looking in from outside or from below up.

đ) In cases where the guest's local flag is available and the guest requests its hoisting during the visit, the Vietnamese National Flag, the guest's national flag, and the guest's local flag shall be hoisted in the following order: The Vietnamese flag in the middle, the guest's national flag on the left, and the guest's local flag on the right from the perspective of looking in from outside or from below up.

e) In reception rooms where there is a statue or portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, the flags shall be hoisted in the following order: The statue or portrait of President Ho Chi Minh in the middle, the Vietnamese National Flag on the right, and the guest's national flag on the left followed by the guest's local flag (if available and requested by the guest) from the perspective of looking from below up.

2. Welcoming members of foreign royal families; senior foreign local leaders; senior leaders of foreign ministries, councils, commissions of the National Assembly; leaders of intergovernmental international organizations, interparliamentary organizations, organizations under the United Nations and equivalent levels for official visits to local areas:

Hoist the Vietnamese National Flag, foreign national flags, the United Nations flag, or the flag of an intergovernmental international organization, and the guest's local flag (if available and requested by the guest) at appropriate locations according to diplomatic requirements, space conditions of the venue, local conditions, and the reception program: Welcome ceremony site (outdoor location of the welcome ceremony), residence of the guest delegation leader, and in the following rooms: Provincial leader's reception room, meeting room for working sessions with provincial leaders, press conference room, and banquet room hosted by provincial leaders, and place small-sized flags (table flags) of the Vietnamese National Flag and the guest's national flag or intergovernmental international organization flag on the negotiation table and agreement signing table.

3. Welcoming deputy leaders of senior foreign local leaders and equivalent levels for work visits to local areas:

Hoist the Vietnamese National Flag, foreign national flags, and the guest's local flag (if available and requested by the guest) at appropriate locations according to diplomatic requirements, space conditions of the venue, local conditions, and the reception program: Meeting room, provincial leader's reception room, and place small-sized flags (table flags) of the Vietnamese National Flag and the guest's national flag on the negotiation table and agreement signing table.

4. Welcoming foreign ambassadors, consuls general, and representatives of United Nations organizations, intergovernmental international organizations in Vietnam for social calls, visits, and work in local areas:

According to the reception program, diplomatic protocol, and local conditions, place small-sized flags (table flags) of the Vietnamese National Flag and the guest's national flag, the United Nations flag, or the flag of an intergovernmental international organization on the table when provincial leaders conduct social calls, negotiate, and sign agreements with provincial leaders and between the local area and the foreign representative office in Vietnam.

5. Welcoming leaders of foreign provincial departments, counties; leaders of subordinate agencies of foreign ministries, councils, commissions of the National Assembly, United Nations organizations, intergovernmental international organizations, interparliamentary organizations, and equivalent levels; members of foreign representative offices in Vietnam; leaders and representatives of foreign economic organizations, non-governmental organizations that are partners of provincial and county-level associations; leaders and representatives of foreign economic organizations, non-governmental organizations visiting and working in local areas:

According to diplomatic protocol and actual local conditions in organizing receptions, if there is an agreement signed between foreign provincial department, county agencies; subordinate agencies of foreign ministries, councils, commissions of the National Assembly; subordinate agencies of United Nations organizations, intergovernmental international organizations, interparliamentary organizations; foreign representative offices in Vietnam with the local area, small-sized flags (table flags) of the Vietnamese National Flag and the guest's national flag or the United Nations flag, or the flag of an intergovernmental international organization can be placed on the agreement signing table.

If the inviting association and the organizing partner have their own flags (flags of the association and requested by the guest), place small-sized flags (table flags) of the association and the guest's organization on the working table and agreement signing table between the two sides.

6. Welcoming foreign guests attending events organized by the local area:

Hoist the Vietnamese National Flag, foreign national flags, flags of international organizations, foreign local flags, and foreign organization flags according to Vietnamese regulations, as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, and in accordance with diplomatic protocol, regulations, or precedents for organizing such events.

If there are no regulations or precedents regarding flag hoisting for such events, the province should seek advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (National Protocol Department) on hoisting foreign national flags, international organization flags, foreign local flags, and foreign organization flags participating in the event and the order of the flags when hoisting.

Article 19. Welcome slogans and decoration of banners and backdrops

1. Welcoming foreign guests visiting the locality:

Banners, posters, and welcome slogans shall not be used to decorate for foreign guests visiting the locality. If there is a signing ceremony between both parties in the reception program, a backdrop may be decorated in the signing room.

2. Welcoming foreign guests attending an event:

The decoration of banners, posters, and welcome slogans shall be appropriate with the host organization's protocol of the event, according to the approved project and plan by the competent authority, with a reasonable quantity, suitable form, and at necessary locations. The arrangement of banners and posters and the use of foreign languages shall comply with Vietnam’s regulations and the event's organizing practices.

Article 20. Presentation and use of foreign languages in backdrops and slogans

1. Presentation of backdrops and slogans in two languages:

If arranged from top to bottom, the Vietnamese content shall be above and the foreign language content below. If divided into two sides, the Vietnamese content shall be on the right side and the foreign language content on the left side when viewed face-on.

The font size of Vietnamese and foreign languages shall be equivalent. If Vietnamese and the foreign language belong to the same language system, they shall be written in the same font.

2. Use of foreign languages:

a) Welcoming foreign guests visiting the locality: The foreign language shall be the common language of the guest country or a widely used international language based on agreement with the guest.

b) International events hosted or organized by the locality: The foreign language shall be the designated or customary language of the event or a widely used international language.

Article 21. Cars serving the delegation

1. Foreign guests invited by the locality:

a) Delegation led by former high-ranking foreign leaders; members of foreign royal families; leaders and former leaders of foreign ministries, commissions, departments, and committees of the National Assembly; leaders and former leaders of intergovernmental, inter-parliamentary organizations, and United Nations bodies; leaders and former leaders of foreign localities and equivalent positions: A separate car (four-seater) shall be arranged for the head of the delegation and spouse (if applicable), while other members of the delegation shall share a multi-seat car during joint activities.

In cases where the spouse has separate activities or delegation members have individual work activities separate from the group, the type of vehicle for these separate activities shall depend on a reasonable number of people participating together (for both guests and accompanying hosts).

b) Other foreign delegations: A shared car shall be arranged for the entire delegation, suitable to the number of delegation members.

2. Foreign guests attending an event organized by the locality:

Vehicle arrangements for guests shall be made as if for a foreign delegation visiting the province under the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article when each delegation operates separately.

For joint activities according to the event's schedule, vehicles shall be arranged in accordance with the event's host protocol and actual conditions of the locality. Depending on the hosting method and activity schedule, a formation of vehicles may be arranged for each delegation or separate multi-seat cars may be arranged for the heads of delegations and spouses (if applicable) and multi-seat cars for the members of the delegations.

Article 22. Police escort vehicles

1. Foreign guests invited by the locality:

a) Former high-ranking foreign officials; members of foreign royal families; foreign ministers and heads of committees of foreign parliaments; leaders of international intergovernmental, inter-parliamentary organizations, and United Nations organizations; senior foreign local leaders and equivalent positions: Shall be provided with police escort vehicles for official activities.

b) Other foreign guests: Based on the actual traffic conditions of the locality, security requirements, and traffic safety for guests, the proposal to arrange police escort vehicles for the delegation's activities shall comply with the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Security.

2. Foreign guests attending events organized by localities:

a) Delegations when operating separately: Arrange police escort vehicles according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article.

b) Joint activities under the event program: Arrange police escort vehicles for the convoy consisting of the vehicles of the delegation leader and spouse (if applicable) or a unified formation including vehicles for all delegations to ensure security and traffic safety, in accordance with the approved organizational plan and the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 23. Welcoming foreign guests visiting individually

1. For individual visits by foreign senior officials at localities, implement according to the regulations of the Party, Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP, and the guidance of the central agency responsible for welcoming.

2. For individual visits by foreign local senior officials: Based on a consistent exchange with the guest side, if the airport, border gate, railway station, seaport where the guest arrives and departs falls within the province's jurisdiction, the representative of the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs (if the province has a Department of Foreign Affairs)/the representative of the Provincial People's Committee Office or the Provincial Party Committee Office or the Provincial People's Council Office, depending on the guest's position, shall welcome and see off the guest and arrange for a suitable provincial leader to meet and invite the guest to a friendly meal.

3. For individual visits by foreign senior officials from ministries, agencies, commissions of the National Assembly, and organizations of the United Nations, intergovernmental, inter-parliamentary organizations at localities: Based on a consistent exchange with the central agency (ministry, agency, Central External Relations Board, or National Assembly Office) and agreement with the guest, the welcoming procedures are similar to those for foreign local senior officials visiting individually.

Article 24. Arranging greetings for Party and State leaders and leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of the National Assembly and central mass organizations' agencies

Depending on the specific requirements and conditions of the visit, arrange for Party and State leaders; leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of the National Assembly; and leaders of central mass organizations' agencies to greet.

1. Procedures for arranging greetings for foreign guests to Party and State leaders: Implement according to the regulations of the Party and Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP.

2. Procedures for arranging greetings for foreign guests to leaders of ministries, agencies, commissions of the National Assembly and central mass organizations' agencies: The province directly contacts the relevant ministries, agencies; the Central External Relations Board; the National Assembly Office or central mass organizations' agencies to arrange.

Article 25. Hosting

Foreign delegations visiting localities or participating in events organized by localities upon invitation shall be hosted according to the Government's regulations, the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance, the relationship between the locality and the guests, and in accordance with international practices based on reciprocity.

Article 26. Gifts

1. Only present gifts to the Head of the Delegation and Spouse (if any). In special cases, gifts may be presented to other members of the delegation.

2. The gifts shall be characteristic products of the locality or Vietnam, reflecting the national cultural identity.

3. The level of gift presentation shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Government and guidelines of the Ministry of Finance.

4. The method of presenting gifts to guests shall be based on mutual agreement with the delegation.

Chapter III

SEEING OFF AND WELCOMING PARTY AND STATE LEADERS ON INTERNATIONAL VISITS ABROAD

Article 27. Seeing off and welcoming Party and State leaders on international visits abroad through international border gates in localities

1. See off and welcome Party and State leaders at Noi Bai International Airport in accordance with the regulations of the Party and Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP.

2. See off and welcome Party and State leaders at international border gates in other provinces and centrally governed cities as follows:

a) Provincial leadership participating together with central agency leadership in seeing off and welcoming senior Party leaders not holding State positions: To be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the Party and guidance from the Central Committee for External Relations.

b) Provincial leadership participating together with central agency leadership in seeing off and welcoming the President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly: One provincial leader.

c) The province shall direct relevant agencies to coordinate with central agencies to organize the delegation, arrange exit and entry procedures, and other related procedures for the delegation at the border gate.

Chapter IV

OTHER DIPLOMATIC HOSTING ACTIVITIES

Article 28. Hosting guests to commemorate the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

1. In localities with Consular Corps: Annually, depending on actual needs, conditions, and the foreign affairs program of the locality, the local leadership decides whether to organize a diplomatic reception on the occasion of commemorating the August Revolution and National Day. If such a reception is organized, it shall be conducted as follows:

a) Name of the host and person in charge of the reception:

In odd-numbered years ending in 5 and even-numbered years ending in 0: Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee/City Party Committee.

In other years: Chairman of the People's Committee of the province/city directly under the Central Government.

b) Foreign guests: Consular Corps in the locality, representatives of United Nations organizations and intergovernmental international organizations in the city, and prominent foreign business representatives, associations, and individuals working or studying in the locality, as well as foreign guests visiting the locality during the reception period.

c) Form of reception: Dinner party.

2. In other localities: Depending on foreign affairs requirements, actual conditions of the locality, the provincial leadership decides whether to organize a diplomatic reception on the occasion of commemorating the August Revolution and National Day. If such a reception is organized, it shall be conducted according to Point a and c Clause 1 of this Article. Foreign guests invited to attend are representatives of prominent foreign businesses, organizations, associations, and individuals working or studying in the locality, as well as foreign guests visiting the locality during the reception period.

Article 29. Attending receptions commemorating the National Day of foreign countries and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam

1. Attending receptions commemorating the National Day of foreign countries and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam upon invitation from foreign embassies in Hanoi

a) Hanoi City: One deputy city leader attends. In special cases: One high-ranking city leader attends.

b) Provinces adjacent to Hanoi: The province decides to attend in accordance with the relationship between the two countries, the relationship between the province and the embassy, and specific conditions of the locality.

A provincial leader or Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs/Head of the People's Committee Office (if the province does not have a Department of Foreign Affairs) represents the locality to attend. If the province does not send a representative to attend directly, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province sends a "Congratulatory Letter" to the head of the diplomatic mission on behalf of the locality.

c) Other localities: On behalf of the locality, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province sends a "Congratulatory Letter" to the head of the diplomatic mission.

In case of foreign affairs requirements and relations with the diplomatic mission, the provincial leadership decides to attend directly.

d) The locality informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Protocol Department) when provincial leaders attend.

2. Attending receptions commemorating the National Day of foreign countries and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam upon invitation from consular offices:

a) Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang: One deputy city leader attends as the main guest. In special cases: One high-ranking city leader attends as the main guest.

b) Provinces adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang: The province decides to attend in accordance with the relationship between the two countries, the relationship between the province and the consular office, and specific conditions of the locality.

A provincial leader or Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs/Head of the People's Committee Office (if the province does not have a Department of Foreign Affairs) represents the locality to attend. If the province does not send a representative to attend directly, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province sends a "Congratulatory Letter" to the head of the consular office on behalf of the locality.

c) Other localities: On behalf of the locality, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province sends a "Congratulatory Letter" to the head of the consular office.

In case of foreign affairs requirements and relations with the consular office, the provincial leadership decides to attend directly.

d) The locality informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Department, for the Consulate General in Da Nang City, or the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, for the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City) when provincial leaders attend.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 30. Effectiveness and Responsibility for Enforcement

1. This Circular takes effect from December 2, 2017.

2. Localities should consider:

a) Establishing regulations on inviting foreign guests to visit the locality in accordance with the regulations on unified management of foreign affairs activities in the locality.

b) Guidelines for organizing the welcoming and hosting of other foreign guests visiting the locality upon invitation from the locality.

3. During implementation, if there are difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals should submit their opinions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for study and appropriate amendments and supplements./.