Solutions to promote and deepen Vietnam - Latin America relations

The Regional Political Academy III has just coordinated with the Institute of Politics and International Relations (Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics) to organize a seminar on "Cultural, educational cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Latin American countries in the new context" in Da Nang. Delegates discussed and proposed solutions to promote the strength of cultural diplomacy, promote understanding and deepen Vietnam - Latin America relations.

The seminar was co-chaired by Dr. Dao Ngoc Bau, Director of the Institute of Politics and International Relations; Associate Professor, Dr. Le Van Dinh, Deputy Director of the Regional Political Academy III; Dr. Bui Viet Huong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Politics and International Relations.

According to the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics' electronic information portal, in his opening speech, Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Dinh said that the seminar is one of the practical activities to implement Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo on international integration in the new situation, contributing to deepening awareness of cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Latin American countries in the fields of culture, education and people-to-people diplomacy.

Seminar on Cultural, Educational and People-to-People Cooperation between Vietnam and Latin American Countries in the New Context. (Photo: hcma.vn)

In her introductory report, Dr. Bui Viet Huong analyzed the Vietnam-Latin America relationship based on historical traditions and current new developments. She pointed out that many educational institutions in Vietnam have implemented teaching Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American culture, creating connections between Vietnam and Latin American countries. However, the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy still faces many challenges, the Vietnamese community in Latin America is not large, there are geographical distances, cultural differences and limited financial resources. To strengthen the connection, she proposed building more cultural centers, research centers, encouraging academic exchanges and finding transportation connection solutions to reduce costs and travel time between Vietnam and Latin America.

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao emphasized that Latin America is a vibrant revolutionary struggle for socialism in the 21st century. This region has a unique culture, rich spiritual life, and is the cradle of about half of the world's Nobel Prizes in literature. The people of Latin America have always expressed their enthusiastic support for the just struggle for independence and freedom of the Vietnamese people, thereby contributing to the formation of a people's front around the world supporting Vietnam. Since Vietnam launched the Doi Moi in 1986, the relationship between Vietnam and Latin American countries has entered a new, stronger and more comprehensive stage of development.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, spoke at the seminar. (Photo: hcma.vn)

However, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Latin American countries have not yet developed commensurate with their potential. He proposed: Clearly defining the focus of Vietnam - Latin America relations to create strategic breakthroughs; inviting small and medium-sized private enterprises to participate in the process of developing the relationship; establishing a specific agency as the core to promote the relationship; establishing a Latin American Cultural Center in Vietnam and a Vietnamese Cultural Center in the region.

Vietnamese Ambassadors to Latin America presented papers, providing a comprehensive and objective picture of the region. The Ambassadors affirmed that Latin America is a region of peace, stability, prosperity and rich cultural identity, rejecting prejudices about the complicated situation or famine as some negative media have mentioned recently.

According to the Ambassadors, Latin America currently considers Vietnam a provider of solutions and a model for sustainable development in Asia, as well as a strategic bridge between Latin America and the ASEAN Community. To improve the effectiveness of foreign affairs, the Ambassadors proposed implementing a project to honor the image and ideology of Ho Chi Minh abroad, taking advantage of the sympathy of the Latin American people for Uncle Ho and the heroic history of Vietnam. Opinions were unanimous on the need to establish new cultural exchange mechanisms, possibly inviting artists, dance troupes, and celebrities from Latin America to Vietnam to promote culture, connect tourism, and boost trade. Affirming that cultural diplomacy is an effective method of deploying soft power, the Ambassadors emphasized the importance of sharing experiences in developing cultural and creative industries between the two sides, creating a solid foundation for economic development, bringing Vietnam - Latin America relations to new heights.

Representatives of the VCCI in the Central Highlands and the Union of Friendship Organizations of Da Nang City affirmed that the coastal city of Da Nang is known as a livable place, always ready to be an ideal destination for international cooperation activities. If Da Nang hosts the Vietnam - Latin America people-to-people exchange and diplomatic events, these agencies commit to creating the best conditions for support, considering this an opportunity for Da Nang to promote its cultural and tourism potential, contributing to strengthening the connection and mutual understanding between the people of Vietnam and the Latin American region.

In his closing remarks, summarizing the seminar, Dr. Dao Ngoc Bau affirmed that the presentations and discussions at the seminar provided a solid scientific and practical basis, deepening the awareness of the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Latin America. The seminar is of great significance in formulating Vietnam's foreign policy, serving as a foundation for building more comprehensive and effective strategies for developing relations with countries for peace and development in the region and the world.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/giai-phap-thuc-day-lam-sau-sac-them-quan-he-viet-nam-my-latinh-216811.html