At the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival, Chinese Ambassador He Wei announced that the Chinese Government has pledged $500,000 in disaster relief support for Vietnam, aiming to assist localities in overcoming the aftermath of recent natural calamities.

The festival, held this morning at the Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound in Hanoi, opened with the theme “Trip of Flavours – A global taste journey.” This year’s edition features 120 booths representing 50 embassies, 20 local foreign affairs departments, eight units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as various enterprises and international organizations.

Le Nguyet Anh, the spouse of Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, emphasized that since its launch in 2014, the International Culinary Culture Festival has evolved beyond a mere cultural exchange event to become a symbol of friendship, compassion, and international solidarity in Hanoi.

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Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei.

She noted that each booth, dish, and cultural story conveyed through flavor serves as a bridge for connection, where national identities intersect, mutual understanding flourishes, and friendships between Vietnam and the world are nurtured with sincerity and kindness.

The festival comes at a time when many parts of Vietnam are reeling from devastating floods and storms. With strong support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all participating units, the entire proceeds from the event will be dedicated to supporting disaster-affected communities.

Nguyet Anh underscored this humanitarian commitment as the festival’s core mission: using food and culture to bind hearts, to foster empathy that transcends geography and borders.

Speaking at the opening, Ha Thi Nga, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, affirmed that the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival not only celebrates cultural and culinary diversity but also unites hearts toward those suffering in Central and Central Highlands regions devastated by recent storms.

She remarked that the historic floods in recent days have caused tremendous human and material losses. More than ever, the Vietnamese value of "mutual support" must be awakened and widely embraced.

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Organizers present charity gifts for communities hit hardest by recent floods.

Representing the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Ha Thi Nga urged all participants to uphold this spirit of compassion and contribute to flood relief efforts. Whether through financial donations or essential goods, every contribution - big or small - is a priceless source of encouragement helping families recover and rebuild.

Chinese Ambassador He Wei praised the festival’s emotional impact and humanitarian significance, expressing deep condolences to the Vietnamese Government and people for their disaster-related losses.

He confirmed that the Chinese Government has decided to provide $500,000 in aid to help affected regions recover, demonstrating goodwill and solidarity during these challenging times.

As part of the festival, the organizing committee launched charitable giving initiatives to support severely impacted provinces. These included both monetary donations and essential supplies, directly handed over to local representatives.

Throughout the weekend, thousands of visitors flocked to the festival. With 120 booths, the event offered a “miniature global food map” where guests could explore culinary journeys from Asia and Europe to the Americas, Africa, and Oceania - each dish telling a story of people, culture, and tradition.

Tran Thuong