The Vietnamese student unions of three British universities, Aston University, University of Birmingham, and University of Northampton, organized an event.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Nguyen Hoang Long called on the Vietnamese student community in the UK to take an active role in introducing their nation’s image to British friends, helping to strengthen solidarity, friendship, and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.
He revealed a range of exciting activities to be held in Birmingham as part of Vietnam Days in the UK this April. These activities include a meeting between the Ambassador and the Mayor of Birmingham, as well as engaging talks to explore potential joint trade and investment opportunities.
The diplomat underscored the importance of the Midlands region of the UK in fostering bilateral cooperative relations, highlighting that Birmingham and the Midlands will be the driving force for the Vietnam – UK relationship in the future, particularly in education, training, production, trade, and investment.
Various activities were held during the program, including a photo exhibition, art performances introducing contemporary dance and folk songs from the three regions, a Vietnamese cuisine show, and a fashion show of Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese long dress. Visitors were able to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the event, which was filled with music, laughter, and an array of exquisite traditional dishes. It was a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Matt Dean, the Director of International Relations at Aston University, expressed his admiration for the traditional art performances staged by Vietnamese students. He noted that the program had enabled British citizens to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and its people.
Tomizawa Mamoru and His Great Passion for Vietnamese Pottery
Although Tomizawa Manoru is a native of Japan, he has a great passion for Vietnamese pottery. With a desire to promote the unique Vietnamese craft to international friends, he has opened pottery classes in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam-France Promote Cooperation in Culture and Education
Eva Nguyen Binh, cultural counsellor at the French Embassy in Vietnam, Director of the French Institute in Hanoi granted Vietnam Pictorial’s reporter an interview on cultural and education cooperation between the two countries on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.