International Culinary Culture Festival 2026: Deputy FM Le Anh Tuan chairs meeting to review preparations
WVR - On the afternoon of November 9, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan chaired a meeting with representatives of relevant units to review preparations for the 14th International Culinary Culture Festival (ICCF) in 2026, scheduled to take place over two days, November 21–22.
Latest
 |
| Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Attendees included representatives from the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps, the Ministry's Office, the Directorate of State Protocol and Interpretation, the Department of External Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, the Press and Information Department, and the World & Vietnam Report.
Reporting on the progress of preparations for the ICCF 2026, Director General of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps and Head of the Organizing Committee Ngo Phuong Nghi stressed that preparations have largely been implemented according to plan, ensuring the set timeline.
Specifically, the Organizing Committee has finalized the list of participating units, developed the overall program, the Opening Ceremony script, VIP reception plans, as well as the layout and space for the event. The festival is expected to feature participation from 46 embassies and international organizations; 14 local external affairs agencies and partners; and 11 units from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, totaling 94 booths.
The main contents of the program are being refined according to the agreed direction, including ceremonial and incense offering spaces; a Vietnamese Bread showcase with representatives from three regions; the Vietnam-ASEAN space; cultural and culinary experiences, and an art program.
 |
| Proposed design for the main stage serving the ICCF Opening Ceremony. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
Notably, this year's festival is expected to be attended by the spouse of the General Secretary, President To Lam, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly; the spouse of Politburo member, Minister of Foreign Affairs; leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors, Chargé d'Affaires, representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and a large number of domestic guests. The program will also include representatives from the Association of the Blind, individuals with special needs, and coordination with the Disability Association. Therefore, protocol, reception, and ensuring security and safety are identified as key tasks in the next preparation phase.
Based on this, representatives of relevant units proposed assignments and coordination to implement specific tasks. The Directorate of State Protocol and Interpretation will complete the VIP reception script and ceremonies at the Opening Ceremony. The Department of External Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy will handle issues related to participants, interaction space, and international guest reception. The Press and Information Department will develop media plans, hold press conferences, and guide journalists in their work.
 |
| Representatives of the units speaking at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Additionally, the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps will finalize plans for organizing charitable activities at the Opening Ceremony, in coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, ensuring that the receipt and acknowledgment of contributions are conducted openly and transparently. Coordination with functional agencies to ensure security, fire prevention, traffic flow, healthcare, environmental sanitation, and food safety will also be strengthened. Construction units are required to promptly complete the stage, booths, VIP area, and functional areas, ensuring the best conditions for the event.
Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan acknowledged and highly appreciated the proactive and responsible spirit of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps and related units in preparing for the ICCF 2026. The Deputy Minister noted that preparations have been implemented on schedule, with many important aspects taking shape, reflecting positive coordination among units.
Emphasising that the festival is a meaningful cultural diplomacy activity, contributing to promoting the image of the country, people, culture, and cuisine of Vietnam, while enhancing exchanges and connections between diplomatic missions, international organizations, and localities, the Deputy Minister urged units to continue identifying this as a key task in the coming days, focusing intensely, and ensuring that all preparations are carried out thoroughly, consistently, and professionally.
 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan delivering directives. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Regarding charitable activities, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need for practical, humane organization, ensuring transparency and openness in receiving, managing, and acknowledging contributions; thereby spreading the spirit of sharing, community responsibility, and the humanitarian significance of the festival.
The Deputy Minister requested that units, based on their assigned functions and tasks, promptly complete the remaining work; enhance information exchange, coordinate closely, and promptly report to the Ministry's leadership on issues beyond their authority. The Service Department for Diplomatic Corps should continue to act as the focal point, regularly updating progress and organizing on-site reviews, ensuring that all physical, technical, and logistical conditions are completed before the event.
The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that with the responsible and coordinated efforts of the units, the Iinternational Culinary Culture Festival 2026 will be successfully organized, leaving a positive impression on international friends, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's image and position, and promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.
