Groundbreaking ceremony for the Diplomatic Academy's International Hall: A symbol of trust and strong Vietnam-RoK friendship
WVR - On March 20, in Hanoi, the Diplomatic Academy solemnly held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the International Hall. This is a key component of the project "Enhancing Training and Research Capacity with ODA funds and counterpart funds from the Diplomatic Academy", marking a new symbolic milestone in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Republic of Korea.
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| Delegates attending the event. (Photo: Thanh Van) |
The ceremony was attended by Nguyen Minh Vu, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Choi Youngsam, Republic of Korean Ambassador to Vietnam; Mr. Lee Byung Hwa, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Vietnam; Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, along with representatives from various functional units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, staff, lecturers, and students of the Academy.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu emphasized that the project is not only an ODA-funded initiative but also reflects the strategic vision and long-term cooperation commitment between Vietnam and Republic of Korea.
The groundbreaking ceremony also evoked the "Miracle on the Han River" as a testament to the foundational role of education in the development of any nation.
As an alumnus of the Diplomatic Academy, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the project will enhance training quality, strengthen trust, and increase connectivity between future generations of the two countries.
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| Nguyen Minh Vu, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking at the ceremony. (Photo: Thanh Van) |
Republic of Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Youngsam also expressed joy over the robust development of bilateral relations, evidenced by vibrant high-level diplomatic activities in recent times.
The Ambassador affirmed that the Diplomatic Academy is Vietnam's leading institution for education and research in diplomacy. With such a meaningful mission, he hopes that the components of the project will become a crucial space for Academy students to not only build their future but also shape the future of both nations.
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| Republic of Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Youngsam speaking. (Photo: Thanh Van) |
The Diplomatic Academy and KOICA have implemented the project "Enhancing Training and Research Capacity" with ODA funds and counterpart funds. The project comprises five components, with the International Hall (Hall D) identified as the central element, featuring a multimedia classroom system and modern functional areas.
Dr. Nguyen Hung Son stated that Hall D is being constructed on an upgraded foundation of the existing hall, with an expanded scale nearly doubling in size, totaling over 1,000 square meters per floor.
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| Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, speaking. (Photo: Thanh Van) |
The highlight of the project is a multifunctional hall with a capacity of about 600 seats, equipped with advanced sound, lighting, and international-standard presentation technology. This venue will not only host large-scale conferences and events but also integrate the Innovation Center, the Vietnam-Korea Strategic Cooperation Center, and modern multimedia classrooms.
The project is also designed to integrate specialized training and research spaces, aligned with the development orientation of an innovation center in an academic environment.
Representing the sponsor, KOICA's Country Director in Vietnam, Lee Byeong Hwa, emphasized that the event is the result of continuous collaboration between parties since the signing of the discussion memorandum in early 2025.
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| KOICA's Country Director in Vietnam, Lee Byeong Hwa, speaking. |
KOICA Vietnam is committed to upholding the highest spirit of partnership, ensuring that this project truly becomes a solid and practical foundation for developing high-quality human resources.
In particular, he conveyed a meaningful message to the construction unit - Huy Hoang International Investment and Trade Joint Stock Company: "Please remember that every brick you lay on this project is creating a new milestone for Vietnam-Republic of Korea friendship. I hope you will ensure the finest construction quality for an absolutely safe working environment".
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| Delegates performing the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
According to KOICA's Country Director, the project is a "legacy of trust", where cooperative ideas will be nurtured, forming a solid foundation to train outstanding talents to lead the Vietnam-Republic of Korea relationship forward for the next 100 years.
Sharing with TG&VN, Phung Bao Quyen, a student from K52 of the Diplomatic Academy, hopes the new hall will overcome space limitations, thereby facilitating the development of learning, research, and international event organization activities for students in the future.
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| Delegates attending the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Diplomatic Academy's International Hall with students taking commemorative photos. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
The ceremony concluded with a solemn groundbreaking ritual. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, contributing to making the Diplomatic Academy a leading training and research center in the region, approaching international standards.
In the future, the project will not only lay the foundation for knowledge values and sustainable development but is also expected to contribute to training a high-quality foreign affairs workforce for the country.
On this occasion, the Diplomatic Academy officially launched a competition to name the hall, seeking a meaningful name that accurately reflects the spirit of friendship and the stature of the future project.
