HCM City (VNA) – The 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival wrapped up on December 20 evening in Ho Chi Minh City.
Jointly held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA) and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), the five-day festival took place in Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City with an opening ceremony, talks, art exchanges, and a closing ceremony.
In his closing remarks, VUFO Vice Chairman Dong Huy Cuong said during the festival, delegates from Indian states and Vietnamese representatives engaged in many meaningful activities, including cultural exchanges, seminars, and experience sharing.
They explored the history and culture of both countries and recalled the beautiful values of the Vietnam-India relationship, which were established by President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and have been continuously nurtured by successive leaders of both nations to develop into a comprehensive strategic partnership today.
Vietnamese and Indian delegates also visited important landmarks and historical sites in Hanoi, Vinh Phuc province, and Ho Chi Minh City, which are linked to the glorious history of Vietnam as well as the Vietnam-India relationship. These exchanges and interactions helped both sides better understand each other, further strengthening solidarity, friendship, and cooperation in culture, economy, education, and other fields between the two nations and their people.
AIPSO Secretary-General Harchand Singh noted that the festival not only reminds both sides of their profound historical relationship but also of the common struggles that have brought the two countries closer together.
He said India considers Vietnam a pillar in its Act East policy and Vietnam sees India as a reliable partner in its development journey. The cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, technology, tourism, trade, and national defence highlights the practicality of India-Vietnam friendship.
♉ He added the festival has reinforced the two countries' shared commitment to these areas, while emphasising the importance of nurturing people-to-people relations - the foundation for India-Vietnam tiess./.
The 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival, a jointly held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA) and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), kicked off in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on December 18.
President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son chaired a discussion with an Indian delegation in Hanoi on December 16 to share insight on Vietnam’s current situation and enduring friendship between Vietnam and India, as part of the 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival.
Vietnam and India have witnessed thriving trade and economic cooperation over the recent past, with many highlights observed in 2024, according to Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in the South Asian country Bui Trung Thuong.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
