Cultural bridge strengthens strong Vietnam-EU relations

On November 7, in Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province and the EU Delegation to Vietnam to organize the second "Vietnam-EU Day" to strengthen cooperation, promote cultural values, and move towards sustainable development on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-EU diplomatic relations (1990-2025).

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the opening ceremony of the second "Vietnam-EU Day". (Photo: Thanh Long)

Attending the program were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong.

On the EU Delegation side, there were EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier, Ambassadors of EU member states to Vietnam and representatives of agencies under the EU Delegation.

In her opening speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said that choosing Yen Tu as the venue for the second "Vietnam-EU Day" in 2025 has profound symbolic significance.

Yen Tu is a typical cultural and spiritual heritage of Vietnam, standing out in the Asian cultural space, known as the "ancestral land of Truc Lam Buddhism". Amidst the sacred mountain and forest landscape, covered with clouds all year round, this place crystallizes the spirit of "harmony between religion and life, between people and nature".

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang delivered the opening speech. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

The Deputy Minister said that after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the relationship between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) has achieved many important achievements, especially since being upgraded to Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation in 2012. In particular, cultural and people-to-people exchanges have always been the connecting bridge, contributing to strengthening the strong relationship between Vietnam and the EU as well as with each member country.

Speaking at the program, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said that "Vietnam-EU Day" with the theme: "Cultural bridge towards a sustainable future", an initiative initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , is becoming an annual activity, contributing to raising awareness of the business community and people about responsible behavior towards cultural and natural heritage, both tangible and intangible, thereby preserving and spreading the spiritual values ​​of each person.

The opening ceremony was attended by EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier, Ambassadors of EU countries to Vietnam and representatives from the EU Delegation. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

The Deputy Minister hopes that the event will open up many specific cooperation activities between Vietnam and EU countries in heritage conservation, art exchange, cultural creation and sustainable tourism development, contributing to deepening relations. Vietnam-EU.

Visiting Yen Tu for the first time, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier expressed his joy and sincere thanks to the Vietnamese authorities and agencies for their valuable cooperation and warm hospitality. He affirmed that for the EU, Vietnam is truly a reliable and key partner.

The Ambassador said that in just the past few months, a series of important milestones have taken place in the Vietnam-EU relationship, such as the visit of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Vietnam's successful hosting of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime; in particular, the upcoming visit of President of the European Council Charles Michel scheduled for January 28 is the first head-of-state visit since the 13th National Party Congress of Vietnam. These events are vivid evidence of the increasingly deep and strong relationship between Vietnam and the EU.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Ambassador Julien Guerrier affirmed that EU member states will continue to maintain and promote bilateral cultural cooperation with Vietnam in many fields.

“This year has special significance as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and Vietnam, a clear demonstration of an increasingly strong and dynamic partnership,” he stressed.

Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong expressed his pride when the program "Vietnam-EU Day" was held at Yen Tu - a World Heritage Site recently recognized by UNESCO on July 12, which has profound significance in the context of globalization and climate change. He emphasized that culture is the bond, the foundation for ethnic groups to understand, cooperate and develop together in harmony.

Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Province Nguyen Van Cong speaks. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Cong said that the organization of "Vietnam-EU Day" in Yen Tu, the sacred land where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, symbolizes the spirit of harmony between humans and nature, and has profound symbolic meaning. This affirms that economic development must be associated with preserving identity, respecting nature and promoting sustainable development.

He expressed his hope that through this event, Quang Ninh province will have more opportunities to exchange, connect and cooperate with European partners, share experiences, mobilize resources and implement sustainable development projects, bringing practical benefits to the community.

After the opening ceremony, delegates participated in a cultural exchange program with many experiential activities such as visiting Yen Tu Nuong Village, making conical hats, printing Dong Ho paintings and visiting famous landmarks such as Hoa Yen Pagoda, To Tower, One-Roof Pagoda with cable car in Yen Tu relic site. The event attracted the attention of central and local press and received enthusiastic support and response from the people.

After two years of successfully organizing "Vietnam-EU Day" (2024-2025), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to continue coordinating with the EU Delegation to Vietnam to carry out meaningful events with the message of "peace - stability - development", associated with topics on environment, culture and tourism in a number of other localities across the country in 2026.

Delegates attending the event took a souvenir photo. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhip-cau-van-hoa-cung-co-quan-he-ben-chat-viet-nam-eu-333629.html