Hanoi: The spouse of the Party General Secretary, Ngo Phuong Ly, on January 16 joined female ambassadors and diplomats of foreign countries in Hanoi in wrapping ‘banh chung’ (glutinous rice cake) – a traditional dish on the occasion of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. The event is part of activities in the cultural diplomacy programme themed “A Concert of Vietnamese Tet”, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants enjoyed other traditional dishes of Vietnam, watched folk singing performances, and visited booths showcasing traditional handicrafts. They then toured a Tet flower market, asked for calligraphy from the “Ong do” (Vietnamese calligrapher), and experienced pottery making and hand embroidery.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the event aimed to provide an immersive cultural experience for the foreign diplomats, allowing them to engage firsthand with Vietnamese customs and traditions associated with the Tet festival. The involvement of the spouse of the Party General Secretary highlighted the importance of this cultural exchange initiative. By participating in various activities, the diplomats gained a deeper understanding of the significance of Tet in Vietnamese culture, fostering greater appreciation and cultural ties between Vietnam and their respective countries.
The programme also served as a platform for promoting Vietnamese arts and crafts, further emphasizing the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ initiative underscored Vietnam’s commitment to sharing its rich cultural heritage with the global community, while also enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.