Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son receives Director of UNESCO World Heritage Center

The Deputy Prime Minister was delighted to welcome Mr. Lazare, a close friend who has always accompanied and devoted himself to the conservation and promotion of heritage in Vietnam; emphasizing that this visit carries an important mission and significance and was delighted with the specific results in cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO since his first visit to Vietnam in 2023.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the practical results achieved during the meeting between General Secretary To Lam and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay during her historic visit to UNESCO in October 2024, contributing to elevating the partnership.

During this visit, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to implementing UNESCO Conventions, as well as sharing the spirit of making culture an endogenous driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development.

The Deputy Prime Minister also shared that in the new era, Vietnam focuses on “four strategic breakthroughs”, in which the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are identified as the main driving forces to promote national modernization, international integration, and rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. This spirit is consistent with UNESCO’s orientation in integrating science and culture into global development strategies.

The Deputy Prime Minister hopes that the World Heritage Center, especially Mr. Lazare himself, will continue to support Vietnam in ensuring harmony between conservation and development at world heritage sites, especially priority projects and dossiers such as: Restoration of Kinh Thien Palace and Kinh Thien Palace space at the Thang Long-Hanoi Imperial Citadel heritage site and the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac dossiers expected to be considered next July.

For his part, Mr. Lazare expressed his deep gratitude to the leaders of the Party, State, ministries, branches and relevant localities of Vietnam; he was impressed by the positive changes in Vietnam after 2 years, especially in urban development associated with heritage conservation.

He welcomed the initiative to organize an international workshop on “Protecting and Promoting World Heritage: Community-based Approach for Sustainable Development” on May 21, saying that this is a clear demonstration of Vietnam’s efforts in balancing conservation and sustainable development.

Mr. Lazare affirmed that Vietnam is a reliable partner, always seriously accepting and implementing professional recommendations from UNESCO.

He expressed his delight that the proposals he made during his visit two years ago had been effectively implemented, demonstrating the strong commitment and close companionship between Vietnam and UNESCO in protecting the common heritage of humanity.

Mr. Lazare affirmed that the World Heritage Center will always accompany and support Vietnam in the work of preserving and promoting world heritages and commits to continue to advise and support the management, preservation and promotion of 8 world heritage sites of Vietnam, including Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as well as actively consider new nomination dossiers of Vietnam such as Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac; Oc Eo - Ba The; Co Loa Citadel; Cu Chi Tunnels; Con Moong Cave... as requested by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son presented Mr. Lazare with the Medal “For the Cause of Vietnamese Diplomacy”. (Photo: The World and Vietnam Newspaper)

On this occasion, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son respectfully presented Mr. Lazare with the Medal "For the Cause of Vietnamese Diplomacy", in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese heritage values ​​and the promotion of cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO.

At the ceremony, Mr. Lazare shared that this was a special moment in his career, making him even more attached to the country, people and cultural heritage of Vietnam.

He considered this not only an honor and recognition from Vietnam for him personally, but also a symbol of affection, trust and commitment to sustainable cooperation between UNESCO and Vietnam in the effort to protect the common cultural values ​​of humanity.

On the same day, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Nguyen Minh Vu met and worked with Mr. Lazare to promote the strategic cooperation orientation between Vietnam and UNESCO in the new period.

The two sides discussed specific measures to enhance coordination, focusing on improving professional capacity in heritage conservation, enhancing the role of people in protecting and enjoying heritage, promoting the sharing of international knowledge and experience in heritage management, as well as expanding Vietnam's role, voice and presence in global mechanisms and forums on heritage conservation and sustainable development led by UNESCO.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/deputy-prime-minister-of-foreign-affairs-bui-thanh-son-tiep-giam-doc-trung-tam-di-san-the-gioi-cua-unesco-post880908.html