(VOVWORLD) - Culture has always been an important pillar uniting ASEAN multi-cultures and ethnicities toward one vision and one identity. Over the past 25 years of ASEAN membership, Vietnam has used culture to connect nations and build an ASEAN Community of “unity in diversity”.
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Vietnam has hosted a number of culture exchanges among ASEAN members.
Since the second Hue Festival in 2002, 9 festivals have been held to introduce Vietnamese and foreign visitors to fantastic performances from ASEAN countries and its partners, including France, China, South Korea, and Japan. The performances have fostered friendship and understanding within ASEAN and with other countries.
Adventure and cultural tourism has been promoted. Travel agencies in Vietnam and other ASEAN countries have organized cross-border tours to scenic spots and heritage sites in ASEAN.
Le Tan Thanh Tung, Deputy General Director of Vitour in Da Nang, said: “Tourists can try different means of transportation and the best services. Visitors to ASEAN countries want to experience maritime itineraries in the East Sea to partake in affirming freedom of navigation. Vietnamese tourists want to confirm sovereignty of Vietnam’s sea and islands.”
Cultural exchanges have laid a foundation for Vietnam to initiate a number of ideas to build the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphane Savanphet said: “Vietnam has put forward many proposals for ASEAN which suit all members. The initiatives have shown Vietnam’s leading role during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. Although we have to face various challenges, Vietnam continues its leadership in building an ASEAN Community and strengthening ASEAN’s central role, particularly in relations with partners and international organizations.”
Cultural diplomacy has brought ASEAN members together. Vietnam, as an active member of ASEAN, will continue to promote ASEAN cohesive development via cultural cooperation.