Minister Nguyen Van Hung encouraged the Vietnamese sports delegation participating in the 33rd SEA Games and held a meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand.

Immediately after visiting and encouraging the Vietnamese Sports Delegation at the 33rd SEA Games, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited and worked with the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand. Ambassador Pham Viet Hung and the embassy staff formally received the Minister.

Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung visited and encouraged the Vietnamese sports delegation participating in the 33rd SEA Games. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand)

During the meeting, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung provided information on the situation in Thailand and the results of bilateral cooperation in the past period. Notably, Vietnam is increasingly becoming a favorite destination for Thai people, especially young people; people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation, trade, and tourism continue to be strongly promoted.

The ambassador stated that 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976–2026), and therefore the two countries are actively preparing for large-scale and meaningful commemorative activities.

On this occasion, the Ambassador requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) to coordinate and support the organization of more exchange activities to enhance understanding and strengthen friendship between the two nations. The Ambassador also expressed his joy at attending the meeting with the Vietnamese Sports Delegation on the morning of December 9th and expressed confidence that the athletes would compete successfully and bring glory to the Fatherland.

In response to the Ambassador, Minister Nguyen Van Hung stated that, starting from December 8th, he had been assigned by the Prime Minister to attend the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand (on the evening of December 9th) and would immediately return to Vietnam after the ceremony to continue his participation in the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly.

Despite the short time, in accordance with the usual practice of overseas work, the Minister always makes time to visit the Embassy – the common home of Vietnamese people in a foreign land. The Minister thanked the Embassy for its cooperation and support for the Vietnamese Sports Delegation and expressed his hope that the bond between the Ministry and the Embassy would continue to be strengthened.

Immediately after visiting and encouraging the Vietnamese Sports Delegation at the 33rd SEA Games, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung visited and worked with the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand)

In his exchange with the Ambassador, Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized the consistent stance of the Party and State on the three pillars of diplomacy; in which international cooperation is always based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and for peace and development. The Minister stated that in the new context, culture and people-to-people exchanges are increasingly recognized as important "soft bridges," creating a sustainable foundation for all international relations. Only culture has the ability to connect, spread, and preserve the values ​​of cooperation in the long term.

The Minister explained that countries first get to know Vietnam through its cultural depth and the beauty of its people, which then sparks interest in its economy, trade, and tourism.

In the economic field, the Minister emphasized the need to build a healthy "business culture"—adherence to the law, sharing benefits, and jointly bearing risks—as a hallmark of Vietnamese businesses when cooperating abroad. This is precisely what makes relationships strong and reflects the "depth of Vietnamese culture" in international conduct and cooperation.

For the Vietnamese community in Thailand, the Minister affirmed the crucial role of preserving the Vietnamese language – the core of national identity. Citing the viewpoint "As long as the culture remains, the nation remains," the Minister emphasized that the task of spreading national cultural values ​​needs to be carried out persistently, based on the community and through exchange activities, arts, and education.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung thanked the Embassy for its cooperation and support for the Vietnamese Sports Delegation and expressed his hope that the relationship between the Ministry and the Embassy would continue to be strengthened. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand)

Minister Nguyen Van Hung stated that the Politburo is about to issue a Resolution on the development of Vietnamese culture in the new era, setting forth many important requirements, including the task of "internationalizing Vietnamese culture" – bringing Vietnamese culture to the world and selectively absorbing the best of humanity. This will be an important direction for strengthening cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.

Regarding the Ambassador's proposal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Minister assessed it as entirely appropriate. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will assign the Department of International Cooperation to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to propose practical activities, initially considering organizing "Vietnamese Culture Day in Thailand" and "Thai Culture Day in Vietnam".

The Minister also suggested expanding it into a “Vietnam-Thailand Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival,” encompassing a tourism forum, destination networking, promotional activities, sports exchanges, and a joint arts program. This would be a comprehensive event, helping to enhance understanding and promote multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister expressed his hope that the Embassy would continue to accompany and support the Vietnamese Sports Delegation during the 33rd SEA Games; and at the same time, encourage overseas Vietnamese to show concern and share their spirit with the athletes, creating more encouragement for them to compete and achieve the highest possible results.

Some photos from the meeting.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung presents a commemorative gift to Minister Nguyen Van Hung.

Representatives of the Vietnamese sports delegation presented a competition jersey to Ambassador Pham Viet Hung.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bo-truong-nguyen-van-hung-dong-vien-doan-the-thao-du-sea-games-33-lam-viec-voi-dai-su-quan-viet-nam-tai-thai-lan-337196.html