German President explores Temple of Literature in Hanoi
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his spouse Elke Büdenbender visited the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, in the capital city of Hanoi on January 23.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his spouse visit the Temple of Literature (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his spouseElke Büdenbender visited the Temple of Literature, the first university inVietnam, in the capital city of Hanoi on January 23.
During the guidedtour, they were briefed on the history of the site and contemplated its ancientarchitectural structures.
PresidentSteinmeier expressed a keen interest in the historical, cultural, and artisticvalues of the World Documentary Heritage - the 82 Doctoral Steles, andcommended the Vietnamese nation's enduring tradition of studiousness, respectfor teachers and appreciation for intellectual talent.
Ina symbolic gesture, he even took a moment to beat a drum inthe temple's precincts.
Thecouple, eager to experience the local way of life, ventured on a brief strollthrough a narrow alley adjacent to the temple, gaining insights into the dailyroutine of the residents. This intimate encounter concluded with a leisurelypause to savour coffee, an activity that afforded them a genuine taste ofVietnamese culture.
ඣ Proceeding to theGoethe Institute, a German non-profit cultural organisation operating globally,the German President met and talked with groups of students and learners, all of whom aregearing up for studiesand work in Germany across various fields.
President Steinmeier lays a wreath at the Monument to Martyrs (Photo: VNA)
Later on the day, President Steinmeier and his wife laid wreaths at the Monument to Martyrson Bac Son street.
Theplanned agenda also includes an official welcome ceremony presided over byPresident Vo Van Thuong and his spouse, alongside talks between the two leadersthat are set to culminate in the signing and exchange of cooperationagreements, followed by a press conference the same day.
Thisis the first foreign visit of the German President in 2024 and the firsthigh-level delegation exchange between the two countries this year - a pivotalyear towards the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in2025.
🐻 Itis also the second official visit to Vietnam by a German President since thereunification of Germany, with the last one occurring 17 years ago whenPresident Horst Köhler visited in May 2007./.
Tourists and locals in the capital city of Hanoi will have an opportunity to enjoy a feast of dazzling light and traditional music and a taste of quintessence of Vietnamese educational history while engaging in the night tour to the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) in the heart of Hanoi.
The Temple of Literature - a Special National Relic Site in Hanoi - has been actively innovating and promoting tourism products using technology and digital transformation to offer a new experience to tourists and become Vietnam’s leading smart tourism destination.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his spouse visit the Temple of Literature (Photo: VNA) 
President Steinmeier lays a wreath at the Monument to Martyrs (Photo: VNA) 
