'Journey of Peace, Friendship, and Asian Vitality' to enhance connection between Vietnam and Iran
WVR - On December 26, a cordial meeting with the press and a luncheon titled “Welcome to 2026 - Journey of Peace, Friendship, and Asian Vitality” took place at the private residence of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam.
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The event was attended by Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Chargé d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam; athlete Arezoo Eskandari, Iran's International Tourism and Cycling Ambassador; and representatives from Vietnamese media agencies.
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| Enhancing understanding and connection between Vietnam and Iran. Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Chargé d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam, expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Vietnam in the future. (Photo: Doan Ngan) |
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Chargé d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam, expressed his delight and appreciation in welcoming Vietnamese journalists. He considered this a meaningful occasion to enhance understanding and connection between the two sides. He noted, “Media plays an extremely important role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening relationships between nations.”
The Chargé d'affaires also expressed his admiration and appreciation for the development of Vietnamese journalism, highlighting its professionalism, dynamism, and objectivity in covering global events.
Discussing the positive relationship between Vietnam and Iran, Chargé d'affaires Mohammadi noted that the two countries share many similarities in national identity. However, due to geographical distance, opportunities to learn about each other's culture, traditions, and people remain limited. Therefore, he hopes to establish direct flights between the two countries in the future to facilitate cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
Besides cultural activities, Mr. Mohammadi also emphasized Iran's significant potential in the pharmaceutical and medical tourism sectors. Iran has successfully produced about 80 specialized drugs with high therapeutic efficacy. With costs only 25% of the international market average, Iran's healthcare system is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign patients seeking medical consultation and treatment.
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| Iran's International Tourism and Cycling Ambassador, cyclist Arezoo Eskandari, shared her journey experiences. (Photo: Doan Ngan) |
The meeting was organized on the occasion of the upcoming New Year 2026, coinciding with the first visit to Vietnam by cyclist Arezoo Eskandari. She holds a Master's degree in Psychology and is an experienced mountain climbing and cycling coach.
Cyclist Arezoo Eskandari shared that she is undertaking a solo cycling journey across Asia, covering approximately 18,000 km. Her journey begins in China, passes through Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, before continuing to West Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and returning to Iran via Turkey.
This is not merely a sports project but also a cultural-social mission, where each pedal stroke becomes a bridge connecting people, nature, and a shared aspiration for peace.
She plans to stay in Vietnam for about a month, cycling from North to South as part of her adventure across 22 Asian countries.
The athlete noted that to pursue this long and challenging journey, the most important factors are resilience and perseverance – qualities she sees clearly in the Vietnamese people throughout history.
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| Enhancing understanding and connection between Vietnam and Iran. Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Doan Ngan) |
As Iran's International Tourism and Cycling Ambassador, Arezoo Eskandari embarks on this journey to spread messages of peace, friendship among nations, and a positive, sustainable lifestyle. She also aims to introduce the unique cultural values and natural beauty of her West Asian homeland to international friends through the simple yet powerful language of sports.
Born in Isfahan, Central Iran, Arezoo Eskandari expressed a special affection for the S-shaped country with its beautiful landscapes and friendly, hospitable people.
She shared her deep emotions when many Vietnamese people, despite language barriers, were willing to help her enthusiastically. She will always remember the invitation to enjoy a simple duck noodle soup, which left warm and unforgettable memories of Vietnamese sincerity.
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| Cyclist Arezoo Eskandari with her “100kg bike” on her journey across Asia. (Photo: Doan Ngan) |
In an interview with The World & Vietnam, Eskandari stated that choosing a bicycle – a non-fossil fuel vehicle – for her journey is her way of spreading the message “live healthily, live cleanly, live slowly”. Through this journey, she hopes to raise awareness about environmental protection in Vietnam.
At the exchange event, the organizers also introduced some traditional dishes rich in Iranian cultural identity.
As the New Year 2026 approaches – a time to reflect on past journeys and look forward to new ones – the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam extended its best New Year wishes to the Vietnamese people.
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| Richly flavored Iranian cultural cuisine at the intimate gathering. (Photo: Doan Ngan) |
