 |
| On January 16, the Spouse of the Party General Secretary, Ngo Phuong Ly, joined female Ambassadors and diplomats of foreign countries in Hanoi in wrapping ‘banh chung’ (glutinous rice cake). (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The event is part of activities in the cultural diplomacy programme themed "Cultural Diplomacy: The Harmony with Vietnamese Tet program", organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 |
| Also attending the event were Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Spouse of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Madam Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Chief of the Office of the Party Central Committee. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Also attending the event were Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Spouse of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Madam Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Chief of the Office of the Party Central Committee; Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; female Ambassadors, former Ambassadors, leaders of units in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, female Ambassadors, Spouses of Ambassadors and representatives of many international organizations in Vietnam.
 |
| Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the event. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
In his opening speech, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu emphasized that the "Cultural Diplomacy: The Harmony of Vietnamese Tet program" is a cultural event dedicated to honouring Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year (Tet). He highlighted that for Vietnamese people, Tet is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude for cultural heritage while embracing hopes for a prosperous and peaceful new year.
 |
| Participants at the event. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Deputy Minister Vu also affirmed that the event serves as a platform for international connection and cultural exchange, fostering peace, love, unity, and lasting friendship among nations worldwide as they welcome the*New Year together.
 |
| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly asked for calligraphy on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2025 |
 |
| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and foreign guests wrap Banh chung. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Madam Ly said that in today's modern society, ‘banh chung’ is no longer something to be enjoyed only during the Lunar New Year, but the tradition of wrapping this kind of cake for Tet remains an indispensable part of many Vietnamese family celebrations.
 |
| Overview of the event. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Participants enjoyed other traditional dishes of Vietnam, watched folk singing performances, and visited booths showcasing traditional handicrafts. They then toured a Tet flower market, asked for calligraphy from the Ong do (Vietnamese calligrapher), and experienced pottery making and hand embroidery.
 |
| Madam Ly and foreign guests enjoy wrapping "banh chung". (Photo; Thanh Long) |
 |
| Madam Ly and foreign guests enjoy wrapping "banh chung". (Photo; Thanh Long) |
 |
| Guests experienced Vietnamese folk dance. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
These cultural practices reflect the deep appreciation for knowledge, wisdom, and good fortune in the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festivities.
 |
| Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc and ASEAN guest experienced Vietnamese folk dance. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
Expressing her joy in taking part in the event, Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam Amal Abdel Kader Elmorsi Salama took time out to praise Vietnam's socio-economic achievements. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Expressing her joy in taking part in the event, Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam Amal Abdel Kader Elmorsi Salama took time out to praise Vietnam's socio-economic achievements in recent years, with a high economic growth rate and improving living standards.She wished continued prosperity for Vietnam to succeed in its future socioeconomic development plans.
 |
| Madam Ly and distinguish guests take a group photo. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
