Preserving Vietnamese soul in a foreign land: A journey to foster Vietnam-Qatar friendship
WVR - On the plane heading to Doha (Qatar) on a summer day, I brought with me not only diplomatic documents or long-term work plans...
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| Ambassador Nguyen Huy Hiep and delegates cut the cake to celebrate Vietnam's National Day. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar) |
It also remained a lingering question: how to bring the image of Vietnam closer to a Muslim Middle Eastern country - one marked by stark cultural differences and located in a region of constant geopolitical complexity?
The answer has only gradually revealed itself—through each meeting, each event, and above all, through the dedicated presence of the entire staff at the Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar.
Friendship is built through listening and patience
Qatar, a small but wealthy and dynamic country with growing international influence, possesses its own unique characteristics. In such an environment, diplomacy cannot be limited to formal meetings—it demands a deep understanding of local culture and proactive engagement in every interaction, no matter how small.
I clearly remember the early days after assuming my post. During our initial contacts with Qatari partners, we often chose to begin with candid yet friendly conversations instead of elaborate formalities. It was this simplicity and sincerity that helped us gradually build trust—something deeply valued in Arab communication culture. Meetings with leaders of QatarEnergy, the Investment Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and major Qatari companies left the impression of a country with a clear strategy, long-term vision, and a readiness to expand economic cooperation with trustworthy partners. In discussions, our counterparts paid particular attention to Vietnam’s role as a potential destination in the global supply chain, as well as its disciplined and skilled labour force.
From connecting businesses to supporting trade missions and market research trips, the Embassy has always strived to be a "soft bridge," persistently laying the groundwork for practical, long-term cooperation. Several Qatari businesses have shared with me that they value the professionalism, adaptability, and work ethic of Vietnamese workers - an important advantage that we must continue to promote.
Spreading Vietnamese spirit in the heart of the Gulf
Promoting culture in the Middle East is a challenge, as Vietnam’s traditional Eastern values can easily be overshadowed by the distinct Arab identity. But the harder the task, the more determined we are.
During National Day celebrations, we set up a dedicated space to recreate a “corner of Vietnam”—with conical hats, traditional áo dài, and publications introducing our country, people, tourism, and cuisine. Many Qatari and international guests lingered at this exhibition area, asking thoughtful questions and expressing surprise and delight at the uniqueness of Vietnamese culture.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Qatar Nguyen Huy Hiep. |
Additionally, the Embassy actively participates in major fairs and exhibitions in Doha, setting up booths to showcase handicrafts, traditional consumer goods, and promotional materials about Vietnam. Images of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, the ancient capital of Hue, and the terraced fields of the Northwest often catch the eye and spark curiosity, opening the door to engaging conversations about a hospitable and culturally rich Vietnam.
We understand that in diplomacy, sometimes a single image or cultural detail can become a bridge for mutual understanding and respect. And these “small Vietnamese corners” in the heart of the Gulf are gradually shaping a vibrant, trustworthy, and approachable image of Vietnam in the eyes of international friends.
When diplomacy goes hand in hand with the community
One of the most cherished aspects of Qatar is the Vietnamese community—though small, it is united, hardworking, and always oriented toward the homeland. There are labourers working on construction sites, petroleum engineers, and young families starting businesses in a foreign land.
We always strive to be a reliable source of support—not only with administrative procedures but also in their spiritual lives. During Tet (Lunar New Year), the Embassy opens its doors to celebrate with the community—wrapping bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), singing folk songs, and sharing stories of home. One person emotionally said: “Just being reunited with fellow Vietnamese and standing under our national flag this Tet is enough to warm the heart.”
When workers face difficulties, we don’t just intervene through consular channels—we also try to connect them with resources to help them integrate and find new directions. Perhaps it is in these seemingly small acts that the image of a true diplomatic officer comes through most clearly.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Huy Hiep (second from left) with officials, staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and relatives at the opening ceremony of the Hospitality Qatar 2024 exhibition. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar) |
Enduring friendship in a changing world
Today’s world is shifting rapidly—from energy crises and climate change to intense global geopolitical competition. In this context, Qatar has emerged as a vital intermediary, holding an important position within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and playing an active role in regional dialogue.
Although Vietnam and Qatar are geographically distant, we share key similarities in our foreign policies: peace, cooperation, and non-interference. These shared principles form the foundation not only for maintaining strong relations between our two governments, but also for jointly contributing to larger multilateral mechanisms.
It is encouraging to see that in recent times, many Vietnamese businesses have begun looking to Qatar as a gateway to the Middle East. Conversely, Qatari investment funds and companies are gradually taking interest in the Vietnamese market. Our Embassy continues to patiently "knock on every door of opportunity," driven by a clear belief: the future of Vietnam-Qatar relations holds great promise.
A Closing – but not an end
There was a late afternoon, after a long meeting had ended, when I stood silently in front of the Vietnamese national flag flying against the sky of Doha—amid the vast desert, where the call to prayer echoed in the hot wind. In that unfamiliar setting, the red flag with a yellow star still appeared proudly.
It was in that moment I realized: the quiet yet persistent presence of a diplomat is perhaps the most meaningful way to "keep the Vietnamese spirit alive" on foreign soil.
