Cultural cooperation – bright spot in Vietnam-France friendship
Over the past 50 years, since Vietnam and France established their diplomatic relations, cultural cooperation has contributed to creating favourable conditions to promote their cooperation in various fields, strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said on November 17 when meeting French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak in Paris.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung (L) meets French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak in Paris. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) – Over the past 50 years, since Vietnam and Franceestablished their diplomatic relations, cultural cooperation has contributed tocreating favourable conditions to promote their cooperation in various fields, strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between thetwo peoples, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said onNovember 17 when meeting French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak in Paris.
The official highlighted that Vietnam is considered an active member with importantcontributions to the activities of the Francophone community.
At themeeting, he spoke highly of the effective operation of two cultural centres – theFrench Institute in Vietnam and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France - asthey actively serve asa cultural bridge connecting the two peoples through diverseactivities.
For her part,French Minister Rima Abdul Malak said that France and Vietnam have atraditional historical relationship, in which cultural cooperation is a brightspot, connecting the two peoples.
She emphasisedthat France pays attention to and focuses on developing cultural and creativeindustries that bring high-quality values to the youth generations.
The official proposedprogrammes to translate French literary books into Vietnamese and Vietnameseliterary books into French.
She alsosuggested promoting cinema cooperation - an area that France gives muchattention to.
The twoministers agreed to assign relevant agencies to develop a planning frameworkfacilitating the signing of cooperation documents on the occasion of the officialvisit by French leaders to Vietnam in 2024.
On thisoccasion, she invited the Vietnamese Minister to the 19th Francophonie Summit inOctober 2024 to be hosted by France./.
VNA
Related News
The “Hai Phong – France Heritage” exhibition opened in the northern port city of Hai Phong on November 15, highlighting the city’s buildings bearing hallmarks of the French architecture.
A scientific seminar on promoting the value of archaeological heritage and an exhibition entitled “From the Underground to the Museum: A Journey of Artifacts” have been held by Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre in Toulouse city of France.
Vietnam’s tourism potential and opportunities were spotlighted at a seminar held at the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in Paris on November 16.
The Nguyen Dynasty's golden imperial seal of “Hoang de chi bao” (Treasure of the Emperor) was handed over to Vietnam at a ceremony held at the Vietnamese Embassy in France on November 16, said the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with Vietnam's permanent delegation to UNESCO in France, organised an art performance programme at the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in Paris on November 17.
A considerable gap remains between policy ambitions and practical implementation, beginning with the way cultural heritage itself is approached.
The festival featured more than 20 booths offering traditional Vietnamese dishes, including "pho" and spring rolls, alongside activities promoting Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditonal long dress). One of the highlights was the presentation of complimentary Ao Dai to Czech residents and international visitors.
The throne has been reinstated at its original central position inside Thai Hoa Palace, the ceremonial heart of the former imperial court. Its return has attracted significant interest from visitors and heritage enthusiasts eager to see one of Vietnam’s most important royal artefacts back on display.
Under the Politburo’s Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on the development of Vietnamese culture, Hanoi has been given fresh opportunities to leverage its cultural, historical, tourism and creative assets. The city’s recently approved project on developing the night-time economy for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2045, is expected to create momentum for cultural industry growth while enhancing Hanoi’s standing as a creative and modern city with a distinctive identity.
First recognised by UNESCO on April 12, 2018, the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark in the northern province of Cao Bang is a land shaped by more than 500 million years of geological history. Covering over 3,683 sq.km and encompassing all or part of 36 communes and wards, the geopark is home to numerous scenic landscapes, as well as historical and cultural sites of exceptional value.
The decision marks a significant milestone in the growing convergence of classical mind sports and the rapidly expanding global esports industry, where chess is increasingly being integrated into digital competition formats.
Following the AVC Challenge Cup, Vietnam face a demanding international schedule with four more major tournaments this year, including the Asian Championship in China and the Asian Games (ASIAD).
Through this coordinated effort, Da Nang aims to establish DANAFF not only as an annual film event but also as a distinctive cultural landmark, helping position the city as a reputable destination for regional film and cultural events and enhancing its international profile, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, said.
Experts have called for stronger implementation of heritage management regulations under the Cultural Heritage Law, clearer responsibilities for site management boards and stricter action against activities that distort cultural traditions.
A wide range of traditional handicrafts reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, including ceramics, lacquerware, silk products, brocade textiles and other items, attracted considerable attention from visitors. Many products sold out early in the day.
Non Nuoc Mountain, located in Hoa Lu ward and recognised as one of the province’s ten special national relic sites, preserves a valuable collection of cliffside stone steles (known as ma nhai).
To mark International Children's Day on June 1, the Union of Vietnamese Organisations in Russia organised a friendly football tournament, giving young players an opportunity to showcase their talent, pursue their passion and strengthen ties with one another.
The 280-page collection, translated into Vietnamese by poet Tran Le Khanh, brings together works inspired by Weigl’s experiences, observations and reflections on Hanoi.
Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.
The festival is expected to bring together around 900 artists, producers and film professionals from Vietnam and abroad, including more than 200 international guests. This marks the largest edition since DANAFF was first launched in 2023, highlighting its growing appeal within the film industry.
Bilingual book, exhibition honour Ho Chi Minh’s legacy
Under the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, issued on January 7, 2026, culture is defined as the spiritual foundation of society, an important endogenous resource, a driver of socio-economic development and a source of national soft power. In the new era, cultural values are expected to permeate all aspects of life, serving as a foundation, resource, catalyst and regulatory force for the country’s rapid and sustainable development.
Designed as a continuous artistic journey, the event paired two generations of pianists in a musical dialogue intended to foster connection, dialogue and mutual understanding while deepening the Vietnam-Poland comprehensive partnership.
The triumph marked a breakthrough moment for Vietnamese Free Fire esports, with SECRET WAG becoming the first Vietnamese squad to lift an FFWS SEA trophy on home soil. The result underscored the rising stature and growing competitiveness of Vietnam’s esports scene in Southeast Asia.
The exhibition showcased more than 20 works by five Vietnamese artists – Trinh Minh Tien, Do Hiep, Tran Ngoc Anh, Trinh Tuan and Cong Kim Hoa – representing different generations and artistic styles.