Hanoi: The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO), in collaboration with the embassies of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in Vietnam, organised a friendship exchange programme in Hanoi on April 26 to celebrate the traditional New Year festivals of several Asian countries in 2025. This annual diplomatic event aims to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, thus promoting socio-economic development and contributing to implementing successfully Hanoi’s goals and aspirations.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the event brought together representatives from the respective embassies, along with Vietnamese officials and members of the community, to partake in the cultural exchange. The programme featured various traditional performances and activities reflective of the unique New Year customs from each participating country.

The organisers highlighted the importance of such events in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among Asian nations. By celebrating the New Year traditions, the programme provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultural heritage of their neighboring countries, thereby enhancing regional solidarity.

The event also served as a platform for diplomatic discussions, with representatives from each participating country engaging in dialogue to explore potential collaborations and partnerships. This aligns with Hanoi’s broader strategy of leveraging cultural diplomacy to achieve socio-economic objectives.