Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music

WVR - The 13th Latin American Music Night contributed to enhancing solidarity, friendship, and mutual understanding between the people of the Capital and those of Latin American countries.
Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Delegates take photos at the 13th Latin American Music Night. (Photo: Hien Anh)

On the evening of December 16, in Hanoi, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Cuban Embassy, and the embassies of Latin American countries in Vietnam jointly organized the 13th Latin American Music Night, attended by over 200 domestic and international delegates.

The event was attended by: Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama - Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Juan Carlos Fernandes Juárez, along with Chargé d'Affaires, representatives of the embassies of Latin American countries, international organizations in Vietnam; representatives of Hanoi's departments and agencies, and the city's bilateral friendship associations with other countries.

Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky speaks at the 13th Latin American Music Night. (Photo: Hien Anh)

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky stated: Over the past 12 years, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations has collaborated with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and the embassies of Latin American countries in Vietnam to organize the Latin American Music Night - a meaningful cultural exchange program that has left a positive impression on international friends.

"The 13th Latin American Music Night is organized on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2026 to promote the culture of Latin American countries through vibrant, captivating melodies and dances that are distinctly Latin American, as well as traditional dishes and drinks of these countries. The program contributes to strengthening solidarity, friendship, and mutual understanding between the people of the Capital and those of Latin American countries, bridging geographical distances and facilitating the expansion of friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Latin American countries," emphasized Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Ky.

According to Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Ky, alongside a series of activities commemorating significant political-social events, the Latin American Music Night is one of the meaningful activities celebrating the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year.

"In the romantic evening setting by West Lake at Thang Loi Hotel - a symbolic structure of the special Vietnam-Cuba solidarity, we reminisce about the good times and look forward to a future, a new year filled with happiness, health, joy, and achievements," expressed Nguyen Ngoc Ky.

Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes speaks at the 13th Latin American Music Night. (Photo: Hien Anh)

At the event, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed gratitude to the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations for coordinating with the Cuban Embassy and the embassies of Latin American countries in Hanoi to organize this meaningful music night.

Moved by the program being held at Thang Loi Hotel – a symbol of Vietnam-Cuba friendship, Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes affirmed that December 2, 1960 – the day Cuba and Vietnam established diplomatic relations – opened a horizon for the comprehensive relationship that Vietnam today maintains with all countries in the Americas.

The music night consisted of two parts, with the first part featuring performances by both professional and amateur artists from Latin American embassies, associations, and member organizations of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations.

During the music night, delegates enjoyed special performances such as the immortal Sonata No. 6 by composer George Handel, performed by artist Phuong Linh from the Vietnam-America Friendship Association in Hanoi; the lively Lambada dance by the Silk Wave group from the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association in Hanoi; the song Havana by student Khanh Linh from the Vietnam-Cuba Chapter, Faculty of International Relations - Academy of Journalism and Communication; the Chacha dance by national dance sport champions Hoang Gia Bao and Hoang Gia Linh; and the Salsa dance by dancers from the Cuban Embassy...

After the spectacular performances, delegates participated in free dancing to vibrant music and enjoyed Latin American-style food and drinks in a warm atmosphere of friendship.

Below are some images from the Music Night:

Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Delegates participate in free dancing to vibrant music. (Photo: Hien Anh)
Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Vietnam and Latin American countries through music
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