CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

“The Essence of Vietnamese Culture” shines bright in Prague, Czech Republic

(TITC) – On 26th June (local time), the art programme “The Essence of Vietnamese Culture” and the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Colours of Vietnamese Culture” took place in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The event was part of the “Vietnamese Culture and Tourism Days in the Czech Republic” in celebration of 75th anniversary of relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

Leaders and delegates performing the flag salute ceremony (Photo: TITC)

Attending the event on the Vietnamese side were Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong; Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam; Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Ha Van Sieu; leaders from other departments under the Ministry. On the Czech side were Deputy Minister of Culture David Kašpar, officials from the Ministry, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, Czech citizens, and international visitors.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

According to Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam, 2025 marks a new historical milestone in Vietnam-Czech relations as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. A key highlight is the elevation of their ties to a Strategic Partnership during the official visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Czech Republic earlier this year. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the sustainable Strategic Partnership will bring greater achievements and contribute to peace, strength, and prosperity in both nations.

“This mutually beneficial partnership will continue to thrive, driven by the close bond between our two cultures and peoples. I can proudly affirm that the cultural ties nurtured between Vietnam and the Czech Republic are extraordinary,” emphasized Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam.

Proud of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic with over 100,000 people, he appreciated their significant contributions over the years in fostering the deep friendship between the two nations.

“We will continue to commemorate the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with a series of friendship events and celebrations in both countries from now until the end of the year. And I hope that Deputy Minister David Kašpar will actively support our efforts,” said Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam.

Deputy Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic David Kašpar speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

Speaking at the event, Czech Deputy Minister of Culture David Kašpar noted the deep-rooted traditional ties between the Czech Republic and Vietnam not only in diplomacy and economics, but also in culture and between the people. Today, the Vietnamese community is an inseparable part of Czech society, enriching its cultural diversity and leaving a visible mark on daily life in the country.

He was also pleased to share that Czech culture (music, literature, cinema, and theatre) has found a place in the hearts of many Vietnamese friends. He expressed his belief that ongoing cultural exchanges, joint projects, and artistic collaborations would continue to thrive, strengthening the cultural bridge between the two nations. One such initiative is the summer outdoor exhibition organized by the Museum of Puppet Culture in Chrudim, featuring a miniature model of a traditional Vietnamese water puppet stage and a photo exhibit showcasing this unique art form.

Mr. David Kašpar emphasized that culture has a special power to transcend geographical distances, language barriers, and historical differences. He hoped that this solemn moment would not only be an occasion to reflect on the shared past, but also a call to the future to continue fostering cultural dialogue, friendship, and creating new opportunities for exchange and mutual enrichment.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the event (Photo: TITC)

Proud of the 75-year journey of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong affirmed that this journey is marked by steadfast friendship and increasingly profound cooperation between the two peoples. Built on a foundation of positive tradition, the two nations have continuously cultivated mutual understanding and trust, not only in politics and economics but also in the fields of culture and the arts.

Vietnamese culture, with its long history and strong Eastern identity, has left an impression on Czech friends. Vietnam highly values the fact that the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic has been officially recognized as a national minority. This not only acknowledges their positive contributions to Czech society but also symbolizes harmonious integration and cultural diversity. Moreover, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic acts as a cultural bridge connecting the two peoples, contributing to mutual understanding and friendship.

Vietnamese delegation at the event (Photo: TITC)

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong shared that the “Essence of Vietnamese Culture” art programme represents the crystallization of Vietnam-Czech friendship, offering audiences both traditional Vietnamese melodies and European classical and folk music of the Czech Republic. It is not only a meeting of sounds but also a harmony of souls, where art transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries to touch the hearts of the community.

“We hope that today’s program, together with the tourism promotion and exhibition activities during the Vietnamese Culture and Tourism Days in the Czech Republic, will offer audiences memorable artistic experiences and help strengthen the bond between the peoples of our two countries, opening new opportunities for cooperation in culture, arts, and tourism,” emphasized MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong.

During the event, delegates, citizens, and tourists enjoyed a special performance of traditional Vietnamese art by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theater.

A number of photos from the event:

Overview of the event (Photo: TITC)

Leaders and delegates at the event (Photo: TITC)

A large number of Vietnamese community members in the Czech Republic and delegates attending the event (Photo: TITC)

Art performances at the event (Photo: TITC)

Art performances receiving round applauses from audiences (Photo: TITC)

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Vietnamese Cultural Essence Show Celebrates 75 Years of Vietnam-Poland Diplomatic Relations

(TITC) – On 23rd June (local time), at the Polish Theatre in Warsaw, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted a vibrant cultural event titled “The Essence of Vietnamese Culture”, along with the opening ceremony of the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”. These activities were organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland.

“The Essence of Vietnamese Culture” steeped in Vietnam-Poland friendship

The event had the attendance of Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania); Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. On the Polish side, attendees included Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Bozena Zelazowska, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage; and Ms. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam. The event also drew a large audience from the Vietnamese community in Poland, Polish citizens, and international guests.

Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania) speaking at the event

In his remarks, Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania) praised the enduring and deeply rooted friendship between Vietnam and Poland. “Each milestone stands as a living testament to the power of trust and solidarity between our two peoples,” he stated. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the thousands of Vietnamese students who have studied in Poland and for the contributions of the Vietnamese community residing there. “They serve as living bridges, tirelessly promoting cooperation through cultural heritage, arts, and cuisine.”

Of particular highlight was the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival held at Warsaw’s Old Town on 22nd June, which attracted a large number of audiences eager to experience the essence of Vietnamese culture. Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai emphasized that the geographical distance between the two countries is no longer a barrier but rather a gateway for deeper collaboration across areas such as trade, investment, and education. He also highlighted potential partnerships in emerging sectors like environment, green energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and innovation.

Looking to the future, the Ambassador voiced his hope that the friendship between Vietnam and Poland would continue to flourish, bringing mutual benefits and contributing to global peace, development, and prosperity.

The event attracted a large number of international audiences

Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950 during a time of global upheaval. “This was not just a political gesture but a profound declaration of solidarity between two nations, distant in geography but close in shared experience and aspiration,” he said. Over the decades, bilateral relations have expanded robustly across trade, education, science, and culture. He noted that the human bonding, nurtured by generations of students, workers, and multicultural families, remains a cornerstone of Vietnam-Poland ties. He expressed his optimism that the bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in the years to come, contributing to a more peaceful and cohesive world.

Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaking at the event

Leaders from both sides performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”

International guests explored and enjoyed the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong affirmed Vietnam’s deep appreciation for Polish contributions to cultural heritage preservation, particularly the work of architect Kazik, a devoted friend of Vietnam who played a key role in restoring Vietnam’s World Heritage sites such as Hoi An, My Son, and the Imperial City of Hue. He emphasized that heritage has laid the groundwork for enhanced tourism cooperation, where culture is not only preserved but also shared and celebrated.

With its natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Vietnam warmly welcomes international visitors, including Polish tourists. Deputy Minister Ho An Phong highlighted Vietnam’s recent visa exemption policy for Polish citizens, announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his official visit to Poland in January. This policy reflects Vietnam’s open-door policy and its desire to strengthen tourism relationship. He also acknowledged the Vietnamese community in Poland for their meaningful contributions to both societies and their role in spreading Vietnamese cultural values.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the event

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Promotion Program in Poland with its array of cultural activities, performances, exhibitions, and tourism promotion would leave a lasting impression on Polish citizens and the Vietnamese diaspora, further promoting tourism exchanges and deepening traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Delegates and distinguished guests taking souvenir photo

Traditional Vietnamese Art Performance

The audience was treated to a captivating showcase of traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and performances by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theatre, offering a heartfelt celebration of cultural heritage and international friendship.

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Opening of the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum in Poland

(TITC) – On 24th June (local time), within the framework of the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland, Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism attended the inauguration ceremony of the Vietnamese Garden, a unique cultural space newly established on the grounds of the Asia and Pacific Museum. This museum is one of the most prestigious and well-known institutions specializing in Eurasian culture in Europe.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Opening of the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

The Vietnamese Garden presents a distinctive Vietnamese cultural space to the Polish and international public, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam’s image within an international museum setting. It is a harmonious blend of culture, art, and landscape architecture, helping to build the image of a humanistic, friendly, and culturally rich Vietnam, while enhancing the country’s presence on the cultural map of Poland and Europe.

Speaking at the ceremony, MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong stated:

“We highly value the significance of establishing this garden, not merely as a landscape project, but as a vivid symbol of the identity, cultural depth, and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The bamboo groves, garden hedges, narrow paths, and traditional materials evoke memories of our homeland, and they also share with the world meaningful stories about the people and the land of Vietnam.”

Leaders and delegates taking photo by the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

The inauguration of the Vietnamese Garden is also a meaningful highlight in the series of activities during the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Garden, along with other remarkable Vietnamese artefact collections at the Museum, contributes to creating a rich and captivating Vietnamese cultural space for the Polish audience and international visitors.

The Asia and Pacific Museum, established in 1973, is the only museum in Poland and one of the few in Europe dedicated to the culture, art, and daily life of countries across Asia and the Pacific region.

Currently, the museum houses around 25,000 artifacts from over 40 countries, including items related to beliefs, fine arts, handicrafts, costumes, musical instruments, and daily tools. Vietnam is among the countries with a large and prominent collection, including traditional opera masks, ethnic musical instruments, traditional costumes, Buddha statues, and folk paintings…

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly organizes thematic exhibitions, art performances, seminars, and various cultural exchange and educational activities in collaboration with communities and diplomatic missions.

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

MOCST organizes Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival in Poland

(TITC) – On 22nd June, the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival took place at the centre of Warsaw Old Town, Poland. The event is part of a series of activities during a working trip to three European countries by leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST), to promote cultural diplomacy and tourism of Vietnam, and stimulating travel demand from Vietnam’s traditional tourist markets.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to open the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival in Poland

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Ho An Phong, MOCST’s Deputy Minister; Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland and concurrently to Lithuania; Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; leaders of MOCST’s departments; representatives of the People’s Committee of Hue City and relevant local authorities; along with a large number of international guests.

Within the framework of the festival, numerous cultural programs took place, including the Vietnamese cuisine showcase, featuring signature dishes such as pho, nem ran (fried spring rolls), and Vietnamese iced milk coffee, which attracted a large number of delegates and guests to visit, experience, and enjoy. Delegates, locals, and visitors were also treated to traditional art performances by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theatre.

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu at the Hue City’s tourism promotional booth

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also set up a Vietnam tourism exhibition space, with an area displaying promotional videos on Vietnam’s tourism and its local destinations. Additionally, various booths distributed publications, souvenirs, promotional items, and provided information exchange. Visitors showed great interest in the area showcasing tourism products from Vietnamese businesses, as well as displays of Vietnamese agricultural products.

A particularly exciting element was the enthusiastic participation in mini game contests, including photo and video clip competitions about the festival. Prizes included:

– Two round-trip Europe-Vietnam air tickets (sponsored by Vietnam Airlines)

One all-inclusive 12-day “Vietnam’s Green Journey” tour (sponsored by LUX Group)

– Travel vouchers (sponsored by Vietravel)

– Travel and hotel program vouchers (sponsored by Hanoitourist)

– Hotel vouchers (sponsored by Alba Thanh Tan Resort)

The event was held in the open-air setting of Warsaw’s historic Old Town, attracting a large number of international visitors

The event was held in the open-air setting of Warsaw’s historic Old Town, attracting a large number of delegates, guests, and international visitors. The diverse and engaging activities closely linked to Vietnam’s unique culture, art, cuisine, and tourism left a strong impression and drew many attendees to participate and experience. As a result, the image of a friendly and attractive Vietnam with its rich cultural heritage was effectively introduced to the Polish public, contributing to increased interest and future visits from Polish tourists.

According to Resolution 11/NQ-CP by the Government of Vietnam, Poland is one of three European countries eligible for visa exemption with a maximum temporary stay of up to 45 days for tourism purposes, under programs organized by Vietnamese international travel service providers. This policy is effective from 01 March to 31 December 2025.

The Vietnamese cuisine showcase area attracted significant interest from international visitors

In terms of tourist exchange, in 2023, Vietnam welcomed over 34,000 Polish visitor arrivals, recovering to 98% of 2019 levels. In 2024, the number rose to over 51,000, an increase of 25% compared to 2019. In the first five months of 2025, nearly 37,000 Polish tourist arrivals visited Vietnam, up 44.5% year-on-year. Poland currently ranks 6th among European markets sending tourists to Vietnam.

Year 2024 marks a strong expansion phase for outbound tourism from Poland, with significant increases in both the number of trips and tourism spendings. Data shows Polish travelers made approximately 14.6 million international trips in 2024, with estimated spending at USD 10.4 billion. In addition to traditional European destinations, Polish tourists are showing growing interest in farther destinations across Asia. With its rapid growth, the Polish outbound travel market is becoming increasingly important. The visa exemption policy under Resolution 11 provides a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese destinations and tourism businesses to connect, collaborate, and attract more Polish visitors in the near future.

Exhibition Area of Vietnamese Agricultural Products

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