President Vo Van Thuong and his wife pay a State visit to Italy (Photo: VOV)

B: Listening to our broadcast from 10:00 to 10:30 on July 26 on the frequency of 9840 kHz, Mr. Lee rated SINPO at all 4s and wrote: “Good quality, no interfering stations, light noise. It was my first time to get know that Vietnam and Italy have a close relationship.”

A: Thank you, Mr. Lee, for tuning in to VOV. We appreciate your report and comments on our program and hope to receive more regular feedback from you. Vietnam and Italy are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership this year.

B: Since Vietnam and Italy established diplomatic relations on March 23, 1973, political ties between the two countries have been consolidated and developed rapidly. Since establishing a strategic partnership in January, 2013, the two countries have actively promoted practical and effective cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economics, science, education, defense, security, environmental protection, and connectivity.

A: With President Vo Van Thuong’s recent visit to Italy, bilateral ties are expected to grow rapidly. In order to update on Vietnam’s development, its land and people as well as its relationship and attachement with the world, keep tuning in to VOV, Mr. Lee.

B: This week, we received multiple emails from Ashik Eqbal Tokon of Bangladesh who is one of our regular listeners, sending us daily reports on our broadcasts. This week, he shared his interest in our story about activities to celebrate War Invalids and Martyrs Day, July 27.

Youth Union members of the People's Police of Cao Bang province clean graves at the martyrs' cemetery (Photo: VOV)

A: “I’m writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the insightful article “War Invalids and Martyrs Day: Paying Gratitude to Heroes,” which I recently came across on the Voice of Vietnam web portal. As a dedicated listener of VOV, this article has further deepened my understanding of Vietnam’s history, values, and the remarkable sacrifices made by its brave predecessors. The exemplary manner in which Vietnam has mobilized social resources from the government and private entities to care for heroic Vietnamese mothers and individuals with meritorious service is truly impressive. It reflects the nation’s unity and solidarity in honoring its past and safeguarding the well-being of those who have made significant contributions to the country.”

Road 9 National Cemetery in Quang Tri province is lit by candles (Photo: nhandan.vn)

B: Thank you, Mr. Tokon, for your emotional comment on our stories. Celebrating War Invalids and Martyrs Day is part of Vietnamese tradition of “Drinking water, remember its source.” What you have shared with us show that you listen to us attentively and regularly. If your country has the similar tradition, please share with us. Once again, thank you for your listening and sending us feedback.

A: This week, VOVWorld received more than 380 letters, emails and phone calls from listeners in 35 countries and territories.

B: Juan D. of Spain wrote: “The world is interested in what is happening in Vietnam and it is impressed by Vietnam’s achievements in its economic development, sports and particularly tourism. Vietnam is an appealing destination for foreign tourists who are captivated by Vietnam’s beauty and hospitality and the kindness of Vietnamese people as well as their staunchness in defending the homeland.”

A: Also from Spain, Hermenegildo Tascon Getino wrote: “Like always, I’m very interested in your program on the frequency of 11885 kHz with good signals. Thank you for being here and I would like to send a hug to VOV’s staff for your wonderful programs.”

B: Ms Le Thi Hue, an overseas Vietnamese in Japan wrote: “I accidentally found your program on the radio. It has useful information and reflects the current life in Vietnam. It reminds me of the homeland. I hope to hear more stories about Vietnam’s land and its people on VOV”.

A: Hokamura Fumito of Japan asked about whether Vietnamese people have hot pot in winter because people in other Asian countries like China, Japan, and Thailand have hot pot and consider it a typical food of the country.

B: The answer is yes, Vietnamese people do have hot pot, not just in the winter but all year round. Hotpot, called Lau in Vietnamese, is not a traditional dish but it is very popular in Vietnam from the North to the South.

Hotpot is not a traditional dish but it is very popular in Vietnam from the North to the South.

A: In Vietnam, hot pot comes in many forms. Every region of the country has its own specific kind of hot pot, for example: the north’s field crab hot pot, the south’s red tilapia hot pot and central Vietnam’s sour and spicy seafood hot pot.

B: Vietnamese hotpots are more than just food. They are a way of sharing, bonding and celebrating among loved ones: be it friends, family, neighbors, or even coworkers.

A: Hot pot has been listed among the top 10 Best Rated Southeast Asian Meat Dishes by renowned international food magazine “TasteAtlas” together with Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) and Bún Chả (Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli Noodles).

B: The hot pot Taste Atlas mentioned is Bo Nhung Dam (Beef in Vinegar Hot Pot), a dish that is traditionally served in a communal style.

The hot pot Taste Atlas mentioned is Bo Nhung Dam (Beef in Vinegar Hot Pot), a dish that is traditionally served in a communal style.

A: Describing the beef in vinegar hot pot, TasteAtlas wrote, “In its basic form, the dish consists of a vinegar-flavored broth that may also include coconut milk or coconut water, lemongrass, onions, or other additions, while typical accompaniments include thinly sliced raw beef and an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs such as bean sprouts, daikon, lettuce, cucumbers, mint, basil, and perilla leaves.”

B: Meanwhile, mentioning Vietnamese hot pot, the website wrote: “The Vietnamese version of hot pot is made by placing a large metal pot of simmering stock at the center of the table. Various ingredients are placed into the stock and cooked at the table. The dish is especially popular after a night of heavy drinking.”

A: “Typical ingredients for this hot pot type include chicken or pork, seafood, thinly sliced beef, tofu skins, wontons, mushrooms, fish cakes, vegetables, or egg dumplings. The pot is usually filled with fried garlic cloves, chili peppers, fish sauce, sugar, ginger, lemongrass, and tamarind paste before the stock is added.”

B: “The more ingredients are placed in the pot, the more fragrant the hot pot will become. There are also vegetarian versions with ingredients such as herbs, rice, noodles, cabbage, bok choy, and mushrooms. After the food has been cooked in the pot, it’s usually eaten with a dipping sauce that consists of chili peppers, garlic, salt, and lime juice, or another one made with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, chili peppers, and roasted sesame seeds.”

A: With all these tasty descriptions, it would be difficult for us not to get a hot pot after the show. If you want to learn a recipe for making Vietnamese hot pot, check out our “Food Delight” segment which is available and regularly updated on our website at vovworld.vn or on Spotify at VOV5 English Service.

B: Thank you all for your interest in VOV, for sharing your love of our country, and for sending us your feedback. We hope to see you soon in Vietnam.

A: We welcome your feedback at: English Service, VOVWorld, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Or you can email us at: englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs.

B: Check out our VOV Media App, available on both the IOS and Android platform, to hear our broadcasts. We look forward to your feedback on the mobile version of vovworld.vn. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!