Experts discuss conservation, promotion of Thang Long Imperial Citadel’s values
Vietnamese, French experts discuss conservation, promotion of Thang Long Imperial Citadel’s values
An international symposium was held by authorities of Hanoi, Toulouse city of France, and the French Development Agency (AFD) on April 13 to discuss ways for preserving and bringing into play values of the archaeological site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Hanoi (VNA) – An international symposium was heldby authorities of Hanoi, Toulouse city of France, and the French DevelopmentAgency (AFD) on April 13 to discuss ways for preserving and bringing into playvalues of the archaeological site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long - Hanoi HeritageConservation Centre, said preserving and bringing into play archaeologicalheritage values is a challenge to not only Vietnam but also many othercountries.
However, thanks to efforts by Hanoi’s authorities and theconservation centre, along with cooperation from agencies, organisations, andscientists, encouraging outcomes in heritage conservation have been recorded,he noted.
The entrance to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo: VNA)
According to the official, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre has strongand extensive cooperation in heritage research, conservation, and promotionwith the Ile-de-France region and Toulouse city of France. French experts haveprovided specialised assistance since before the Thang Long Imperial Citadelwas recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Inparticular, the centre has worked with Toulouseto carry out a project under the AFD’s Funding Facility for Local Authorities (FICOL).The project has transferred modern technology in the conservation, research,and promotion of heritage values, especially of archaeological sites.It has also provided technical support, helped build scientific reports, madeproposals for better conservation and management of the Thang Long ImperialCitadel heritage site as well as tourism development, and given training forthe site’s personnel.
At the symposium, experts from Vietnam and France discussed issuesrelated to the heritage site and gave recommendations about how to conserve andbring into play its values./.
Secretary of the Hanoi Party’s Committee Dinh Tien Dung on March 24 asked for continued support from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre (WHC) for a project to restore Kinh Thien Palace in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
Hanoi, home to 28 groups of national treasures with 297 items that are closely attached with the Thang Long-Hanoi culture and history, is working hard to protect and promote the values of the treasures and bring them closer to the community.
Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Le Hong Son on April 12 had a meeting with Beaudet Stephane, Vice President of the Ile de France region of France, who showed hope to foster collaboration with the Vietnamese capital in circular economy and areas of the French region’s strengths.
The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organised a ceremony on April 13 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France (April 12, 1973-2023).
Cooperation between Hanoi capital of Vietnam and Toulouse city of France, especially in the conservation of UNESCO heritage values, was featured through photos at an exhibition opened at the world heritage site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel on April 13.
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.
The symposium in Hanoi on April 13. (Photo: VNA) 
The entrance to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo: VNA) 
