2023 is a special year as it marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and a number of other countries. The visits to other countries paid by Vietnamese high-ranking Party and State’s officials in 2023 are all associated with cultural activities, which is a ‘bright spot’ in foreign relation activities.

Could you please tell us about the foreign relations and cultural policy activities in 2023?

In late April, within the framework of the visits to three Latin American countries (Cuba, Argentina and Uruguay) by the Vietnamese National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) organized a unique and diverse culture and art program. It was highlighted in the National Assembly’s project as a ‘political and art program’, which showed the importance of the event. 

In Cuba, two culture and art performances were held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the late Cuban President Fidel Castro’s visit to the liberated region of the south of Vietnam in Quang Tri, and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam.

These were significant historical events which help enhance the friendship and solidarity of the two nations. 

In addition to revolutionary songs which manifested the heroic history of the two countries, MCST ordered a musician to compose a song about Fidel Castro’s visit to the liberated region with the image of the leader standing on a tank.

The hall with the capacity of 1,200 people in Santiago de Cuba was full of people who came to watch the performance of Vietnamese artists. There was also a Vietnam film week which showed movies with subtitles in Spanish. 

Head of the Cinema Department Vi Kien Thanh and I had a talkshow streamlined on their platforms to help people better understand the development of Vietnam’s cinema in the new period. We also organized an exhibition about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh and the friendship between the two countries. 

In Argentina, we organized a performance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment, with both Vietnamese and Argentinian artists. I was so impressed by the image of an Argentinion singer in the Vietnamese traditional long dress. This shows Argentinian’s respect for Vietnamese culture.

While we focused on introducing Vietnamese revolutionary and traditional national music during trips to Latin America, we focused on a different form of art during President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Austria and Italy. We performed classical music with a chamber orchestra and two artists playing Vietnam’s typical musical instruments – Monorchord and T’rung folk musical instrument.

With the talented artists of international stature such as Violinist Bui Cong Duy, Conductor Tran Nhat Minh, Soprano Khanh Ngoc, Monochord Artist Le Giang and T’rung Hoa Danng, we were confident performing in the hometown of the eminent Austrian composer Joseph Haydn at the Italian Presidential Palace.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh went to the US last September to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting and we sent a troupe to perform there.

What is Vietnam’s guideline and policy on cultural policy and how has the policy been implemented throughout the events?

The government has released a resolution on increasing Vietnam’s presence at events with international stature. In the digital era, in addition to familiar ways of culture promotion, we will also enhance the dissemination via social platforms.

In 2023, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan and a wide range of cultural activities have been designed for the celebration.

In addition to the cultural activities organized on the occasion of the Party and State’s leaders’ visits, MCST also organizes events on special occasions, including the Vietnam’s Culture Days in Singapore, the activities to introduce Vietnamese traditional music on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of relation establishment between Vietnam and UAE.

We also have art performances in Paris in November on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations establishment between Vietnam and France. The activities also aim at lobbying for Vietnam’s running for election to the World Heritage Committee.

So, under the cultural diplomacy strategy, will we organize small-scale activities first?

Our implementation method is as follows:

First, organizing activities attached to high ranking officials, diplomats and politicians. 

Second, organizing events on a large scale, targeting public audiences.

Third, organizing performance tours.

Fourth, organizing Vietnam’s festivals in foreign countries.

Tinh Le