Vietnam, Laos strengthen people-to-people diplomacy via golf tournament
Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam stressed that the tournament was part of the efforts to promote people-to-people diplomacy and business and investment cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao business communities.
Vientiane (VNA) - The first Vietnam - Laos Friendship Golf Tournament 2025 - Nam A Bank Cup teed off at the Long Thanh Golf Course in Vientiane, Laos, on February 15.
The event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, the Business Association of Overseas Vietnamese, and the Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank.
The tournament saw the participation of high-ranking officials of Laos, including Politburo members and Deputy Prime Ministers Saleumxay Kommasith and Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune; Khamphan Pheuyavong, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Chairman of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training; and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam.
In his opening remarks, Tam stressed that the tournament was part of the efforts to promote people-to-people diplomacy and business and investment cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao business communities.
He emphasised that the event provided an opportunity for golfers, entrepreneurs, and participants to connect, share valuable experiences, and further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Participants will compete for titles such as Best Gross as well as first, second, and third prizes in various groups. Additionally, technical awards like Longest Drive, Nearest to the Pin, and Nearest to the Line are up for grabs.
Beyond the main prizes, the tournament also offered unique side awards to encourage enthusiastic and creative participation. These include the FairPlay Award for golfers demonstrating sportsmanship and fairness, the Style Award for those with impressive on-course fashion and performance, and the Parman Award for players achieving the most pars throughout the tournament.
Following the opening ceremony, golfers took to the course, showcasing their skills and strategies in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere.
🎃 The event not only highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship but also deepened the friendship and solidarity between the two countries./.
The Embassies of Vietnam and Laos in France held a cultural exchange in Paris on June 25 to mark 45 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18).
As part of the initiative, the VGA will provide expertise in areas such as golf rules, refereeing, coaching, and national rankings, supporting Laos in building a more structured and internationally integrated golf system.
A culture and sport exchange programme between students of the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien and six northern Lao provinces, namely Luang Prabang, Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Bo Keo, Xaynhabuly, and Udom Xay, kicked off in Dien Bien on Jannaury 27.
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.