'Vietnam Days Abroad' took place for the first time in South Africa with meaningful promotional activities
WVR - “Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023”, a significant program hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, officially took place in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment between Vietnam and South Africa (December 22, 1993 – December 22, 2023).
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This is the first time “Vietnam Days Abroad” program has set foot on Africa, and is also the opening for a series of activities under the framework of “Vietnam Days Abroad 2023”.
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| Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and delegates attended the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2) in South Africa. (Photo: VNA) |
The program is of great significance as it contributes to tightening the friendship and traditional cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa – a leading country in multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the region and throughout the world. The program introduces the unique and outstanding features of Vietnamese culture to the public in South Africa, thereby improving South Africa’s understanding of Vietnam and opening more opportunities for multifaceted and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
“Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023” was honored to have in attendance Madame Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of Vietnam, on her official visit to South Africa; Mr. Pham Thanh Ha, Vice Chairman of Presidential Office; Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Foreign Minister; Mr. Truong Quang Hoai Nam, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Comission for External Relations; Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of Ha Noi People’s Committee; Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade; Ms. Nguyen Bich Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment; Mr. Hoang Sy Cuong, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa and reprentatives from Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa.
On South African side, the program warmly welcomes the participation of Mr. Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, Minister of Public Enterprises; Mr. Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Ms. Vuyiswa Tulelo, Ambassador of South Africa to Vietnam.
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| Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and delegates cut the ribbon to open the Vietnamese Cultural Space within the framework of "Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023". (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023 comprised 3 key activities as follows: Vietnam Cultural Space (Atrium Hall, CSIR International Convention Center, September 14-15); Roundtable on Vietnam-South Africa Economic Cooperation (Emerald Room, CSIR International Convention Center, September 14); and Celebration of the 78th Anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 30th Anniversary of Vietnam-South Africa diplomatic relations establishment (Exibition Hall, CSIR International Convention Center, September 15).
Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan, together with South African Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, and Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong cut the ribbon at Vietnam Cultural Space, officially openning a series of actitivities in commemoration of 30 years of Vietnam – South Africa diplomatic ties and 78 years of Vietnam’s Independence Day.
Within the program, Vietnam Cultural Space brought the public in South Africa to the 30-year journey of Vietnam-South Africa diplomatic relations and their friendly and comprehensive cooperation, showcased the beauty of landscapes and people as well as the vitality of Vietnam with special photo exhibitions on milestones of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, Vietnam’s world heritages recognised by UNESCO and idyllic yet vibrant life of the Vietnamese.
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| Visitors learnt how to make Dong Ho paintings under the guidance of artist Nguyen Dang Tam. (Photo: VNA) |
At this beautiful cutural space, visitors had the opportunities to experience such Vietnamese unique art forms as Dong Ho printing (the art of printing images from an heirloom engraving, a painting tool handed down through generations, onto traditionally-made-paper), lacquer painting and trinket making process (the art of using natural materials like silver, gold, seashells, egg shells, et. to do paintings, jewelry and decoration), To He sculping (making Vietnamese folk toys)… They also had a chance to put on traditional costumes under Nguyen Dynasty, which was 300 years ago. A lot of people in South Africa, particularly youngster, showed their interest and excitement when taking part in those activities.
At the Celebration of the 78th Anniversary of Vietnam’s Indepence Day and the 30th Anniversary of Vietnam – South Africa diplomatic relations establishment, guests immersed themselves in a cultural art program performed by Vietnamese and South African artists. Some impressive performances were lotus dancing, flute solo and other ensembles with African resonance.
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| Cultural performance to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day. (Photo: VNA) |
In the mean time, at the Roundtable on Vietnam – South Africa Economic cooperation, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Bich Ngoc, and South African Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina delivered their remarks and hosted discussion session with the participation of over 100 enterprises from both countries. The roundtable has opened up opportunities for enterprises connection, contract signing and cooperation across many fiels such as trade, energy, pharmaceutical, etc., promoting economic and trade links of two sides in the coming time.
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| An overview of the roundtable discussion on Vietnam - South Africa Economic Cooperation. |
Mr. Hoang Huu Anh - Deputy Director General of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs and Head of the Organizing Committee said: “Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023 being organised for the first time in an African country bears much meaning since this continent is where Vietnam has few conditions to carry out major cultural events due to geographical distance. In the past, Vietnam and South Africa showed mutual support in the fights for national liberation and independence. At present, both countries continue their cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity. Therefore, with a huge effort, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, together with partners, introduces to the public in South Africa the unique culture and long-lasting tradition of Vietnam. The Organising Committee hopes that the program can show an image of Vietnam as a stable, peaceful country and an attrative destination for foreign investors, thereby opening up economic and trade cooperation opportunities for the two sides.”
| Following Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023 are two more programs scheduled for France and Japan in this November in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – France and Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties. Vietnam Days Abroad is an annual national promotion program, assigned by the Vietnamese Prime Minister to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010. The program usually takes place on the sidelines of Vietnamese high-level Leaders’ official visit to other countries, receiving positive responses from localities, international businesses, agencies, organizations and overseas Vietnamese. |
