Exciting Vietnam - US Art Exchange Program at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

On December 2nd, the Vietnam-US Cultural Promotion and Artistic Exchange Program took place at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel historical site, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership (July 2013-July 2023) and the implementation of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace , cooperation, and sustainable development.

Tưng bừng Chương trình giao lưu nghệ thuật Việt Nam – Hoa Kỳ tại Hoàng thành Thăng Long

A vibrant Vietnam-US art exchange program was held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations , Phan Anh Son, delivered a speech at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Besides commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership (July 2013-July 2023), this event also highlights the extensive cooperation between the two countries and reflects their shared desire to enhance mutual understanding through cultural exchange. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam at Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Attending the program were Mr. Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Mr. Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam; leaders of the Hanoi People's Committee; representatives of US non-governmental organizations and businesses; and a number of US individuals and families in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son emphasized: "With the great and tireless efforts of the leaders and people of both countries, the Vietnam-US relationship has made remarkable and impressive progress in all fields, becoming a Comprehensive Partnership ." in July 2013 and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development on September 10, 2023.

Recalling the history of relations between the two countries, Mr. Phan Anh Son said that more than a quarter of a century ago, in 1995, the story of "the journey of healing and rebuilding" began with the official announcement by US President Bill Clinton and Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet of the normalization and establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

According to Mr. Phan Anh Son, diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States did not begin just nearly 30 years ago. From the final years of World War II, Vietnam joined the United States and its allies in the common front against fascism. Exactly 45 days after the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh decided to establish the Vietnam-America Friendship Association (the predecessor of today's Vietnam-America Friendship Association, the first bilateral friendship organization between the Vietnamese people and the people of the world).

Image of the Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Day held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel on December 2nd. (Source: US Embassy in Hanoi)

With nearly 750,000 Americans visiting Vietnam annually, 119 US non-governmental organizations operating in 63 provinces and cities across Vietnam, and numerous partner organizations of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in the US, as well as the Vietnamese youth's fondness for American culture and education, Mr. Phan Anh Son believes that people-to-people exchanges will continue to make significant contributions, creating a favorable and broad social foundation to promote the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development" between Vietnam and the United States. In this process, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations plays an active role in developing this relationship.

Within the culturally rich and historically significant setting of Thang Long Imperial Citadel – a site that has witnessed important periods of national development, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a source of pride for the Vietnamese people – many meaningful activities took place.

The festival at the Imperial Citadel showcased the culture and characteristics of Vietnam and the United States, as well as people-to-people diplomacy, through exhibition booths featuring: cuisine, tourism, traditional Vietnamese clothing (áo dài), activities of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-America Friendship Association, American non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, trade, healthcare, and the environment…

The festival also features several booths showcasing information on bilateral cooperation in various fields including health, environment, education, business, and culture. Through numerous interactive activities with representatives from the U.S. Embassy, festival attendees can also learn more about traveling to the United States, learning English, U.S. businesses in Vietnam, and applying for exchange programs, educational scholarships, and jobs at the U.S. Diplomatic Mission.

The festival also includes musical performances by Vietnamese high schools and universities, singing and dancing performances by American volunteers, and cultural and culinary demonstrations from both countries. Admission to the festival is free.

In addition, there will be spectacular musical performances from both countries: Vietnamese folk dance, traditional orchestra, ao dai fashion show, performances by artists Adrienne Mack Davis and Julian Heughan...

The program is a special event celebrating the diverse cultures and friendly relations between the people of Vietnam and the United States, highlighting the extensive cooperation and reflecting the shared desire of the people of both countries to enhance mutual understanding through cultural exchange.

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