"Vietnam Overseas Day 2023" - Bringing the image of Vietnam to South Africa, France, and Japan.

On the morning of September 8, 2023, in Hanoi, the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference to announce the series of events "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023". This year's program will bring the image, land, and people of Vietnam to three continents.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Africa, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, and Vietnam and Japan, the "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023" program will be organized with many meaningful and unique activities, contributing to strengthening friendly relations between countries and promoting Vietnam to international friends.

The national promotional program "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 " will be organized by the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO ( Ministry of Foreign Affairs ) in South Africa, France, and Japan.

Besides activities with political significance, "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023" also organized many seminars and forums to promote the economy, trade and investment, as well as performances and interactive exchanges showcasing the rich cultural colors of Vietnam, most notably the Vietnamese Cultural Space with the overarching theme "Origins, Vitality and Continuity".

Mr. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, and Head of the Organizing Committee, said: “According to tradition, the series of events for Vietnam Day abroad includes many activities in all three main areas: political, cultural, and economic. For this year's program, the Organizing Committee has made adjustments to suit each location. The goal of the event is to convey the image of Vietnam, its land and people, rich in cultural traditions yet dynamic and developing, to the public in South Africa – where Vietnam can promote cultural exchange – and Japan and France – two cultures that are somewhat more “familiar” to the Vietnamese people. ”

Mr. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), delivered the opening remarks at the press conference for "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023".

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen, Director of Dong Do Performing Arts and Event Services Joint Stock Company, shared about the art performances in the series of events: “The performances in the art program are structured around a narrative called 'Colors of Vietnam,' connecting through stories spanning from North to South. The colors of Vietnam differ in each region and also tell the story of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO . The story takes people back to a day in Vietnam, from the early morning sunrise in the northern mountains to the bustling and joyful atmosphere of the South.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen - Director of Dong Do Performing Arts and Event Services JSC, shared her thoughts on the topic of performing arts in South Africa.

This year, the Vietnamese Cultural Space brings together many young artisans and cultural practitioners, offering highly interactive and experiential activities such as making lacquer paintings and Dong Ho folk paintings, sculpting To He toys, trying on and taking photos with Nguyen Dynasty costumes, and experiencing Vietnamese cuisine. The Cultural Space also displays photo exhibitions on diplomatic relations, and photo exhibitions on Vietnam's heritage, land, and people, thereby portraying a friendly and culturally rich Vietnam to international friends.

The opening event of the series will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, on September 14th and 15th, 2023, marking the first time "Vietnam Day Abroad" has been held in South Africa in particular and Africa in general. The program will include various activities such as a Vietnamese cultural space, an art performance program combined with a celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and a Vietnam-South Africa business forum…

Following South Africa, France and Japan will be the next destinations for the "Vietnam Overseas Day 2023" series of events. The programs are scheduled to take place in November and December to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's establishment of diplomatic relations with these two countries.

With the emergence of new elements, "Vietnam Day Abroad 2023" is expected to create a distinct highlight of a Vietnamese culture with a rich tradition that continues to thrive with youthful, modern vitality.

"Vietnam Overseas Day" is a national promotional program organized annually since 2010 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the direction of the Prime Minister. The program consistently receives widespread participation and support from localities, businesses, agencies, organizations, international friends, and the Vietnamese community abroad.

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