Vietnam-EU Day: Cultural bridge strengthens Vietnam-EU ties
WVR - On November 7, at Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province and the EU Delegation to Vietnam, organized the second "Vietnam-EU Day" to enhance cooperation, promote cultural values, and aim for sustainable development on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic relations (1990-2025).
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the opening ceremony of the second "Vietnam-EU Day". (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The program was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong.
On the EU Delegation's side, there was EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier, ambassadors of EU member states in Vietnam, and representatives from the EU Delegation.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang stated that choosing Yen Tu as the venue for the second "Vietnam-EU Day" in 2025 holds profound symbolic meaning.
Yen Tu is a significant cultural and spiritual heritage of Vietnam, standing out in the Asian cultural space, dubbed the "ancestral land of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism". Amidst the sacred mountainous landscape, shrouded in clouds year-round, it embodies the spirit of "harmony between religion and life, between humans and nature".
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang delivers the opening speech. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The Deputy Minister noted that after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the ties between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have achieved significant milestones, especially since being elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation in 2012. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have always been a connecting bridge, strengthening the robust relationship between Vietnam and the EU, as well as with individual member states.
Speaking at the program, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang stated that "Vietnam-EU Day", themed: "Cultural Bridge Towards a Sustainable Future", an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is becoming an annual event. It contributes to raising awareness among businesses and the public about responsible behavior towards both tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage, thereby preserving and spreading the spiritual values of every individual.
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| The opening ceremony was attended by EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier, along with ambassadors from EU countries in Vietnam and representatives from the EU Delegation. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The Deputy Minister hopes the event will pave the way for concrete cooperation activities between Vietnam and EU countries in heritage preservation, art exchange, cultural creativity, and sustainable tourism development, further deepening the Vietnam-EU relationship.
First-time visitor to Yen Tu, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier expressed his joy and extended sincere gratitude to Vietnamese agencies and authorities for their valuable cooperation and warm hospitality. He affirmed that, for the EU, Vietnam is truly a reliable and key partner.
The Ambassador noted that in just a few months, several important milestones in Vietnam-EU relations have occurred, such as the visit of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Vietnam's successful hosting of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime; notably, the upcoming visit of European Council President Charles Michel on January 28, marking the first high-level visit since Vietnam's 13th Party Congress. These events vividly demonstrate the increasingly deep and strong relationship between Vietnam and the EU.
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| EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Ambassador Julien Guerrier affirmed that EU member states will continue to maintain and enhance bilateral cultural cooperation with Vietnam across various fields.
He emphasized: "This year holds special significance as we celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Vietnam, a clear testament to the increasingly strong and dynamic partnership."
Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong expressed pride that the "Vietnam-EU Day" program is held at Yen Tu - a World Heritage site recently recognized by UNESCO on July 12, carrying profound significance in the context of globalization and climate change. He stressed that culture is the bond, the foundation for nations to understand, cooperate, and develop harmoniously.
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| Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Province Nguyen Van Cong speaks. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong stated that organizing "Vietnam-EU Day" at Yen Tu, the sacred land where King Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, symbolizes the spirit of harmony between humans and nature, carrying deep symbolic meaning. This affirms that economic development must be associated with preserving identity, respecting nature, and promoting sustainable development.
He expressed hope that through this event, Quang Ninh Province will have more opportunities to exchange, connect, and cooperate with European partners, sharing experiences, mobilizing resources, and implementing sustainable development projects that bring practical benefits to the community.
After the opening ceremony, delegates participated in cultural exchange programs with various experiential activities such as visiting Yen Tu Village, making conical hats, printing Dong Ho paintings, and touring prominent sites like Hoa Yen Pagoda, To Tower, and Mot Mai Pagoda by cable car within the Yen Tu relic area. The event attracted the attention of central and local media and received enthusiastic support from the public.
After two successful years of organizing "Vietnam-EU Day" (2024-2025), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to continue collaborating with the EU Delegation to Vietnam to implement meaningful events carrying the message of "peace - stability - development", associated with themes of environment, culture, and tourism in several other localities across the country in 2026.
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| Delegates attending the event take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
