(VOVworld)- In 2013, cultural diplomacy contributed to Vietnam’s success in organizing several major events, and promoting its land, people and culture to international friends. In particular, Vietnam was elected to the UN World Heritage Committee. Thanks to promoting cultural diplomacy, an image of peace-loving Vietnam embracing national cultural identity has become more popular in the world.
Vietnam’s cultural diplomatic activities were widely carried out in 2013 and in close association with political and economic diplomacy, they have contributed to making Vietnam better known to international friends. They also helped overseas Vietnamese representative agencies organize events to introduce Vietnam to the world.
Vietnamese cultural values honored
A number of Vietnamese cultural heritages including the Thang Long Royal Citadel, the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Xoan folk singing and the Hung Kings Worshiping Rituals, have been recognized by UNESCO as tangible or intangible cultural heritages. Last year, Don Ca Tai Tu (amateur singing) of southern Vietnam became an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Duong Van Quang is the Vietnamese Ambassador to UNESCO: “UNESCO recognition of our heritages reflects the success of Vietnam’s diplomacy in general and cultural diplomacy in particular. This is thanks to our correct diplomatic policy and prompt integration in all areas including cultural integration. We managed to preserve and restore our heritages and exploit the heritages to serve national development”.
Enhancing friendship
In 2013, Vietnam organized several activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries. Through cultural exchanges, art activities, exhibitions, and Vietnamese cultural days in Japan, Finland and France, international friends gained better understanding of Vietnamese history and culture thus enhancing Vietnam’s relations with other countries. Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Doan Xuan Hung said that the celebration of the Vietnam-Japan friendship year was a success thanks to several cultural exchange activities held in both countries: “We had a successful year. Vietnamese and Japanese people now understand each other better. Mutual trust between the two peoples and their leaders has increased dramatically. This is an important factor in strengthening the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership”.
Vietnamese culture integrates
Vietnam carried out a wide range of cultural diplomatic activities last year in response to documents of the 11th National Party Congress and the Strategy on Cultural Diplomacy until 2020 approved by the government. Under the Party guidelines, Vietnam aims to raise public awareness of cultural integration, combine cultural diplomacy with political and economic diplomacy, further promote Vietnam’s image to the world, actively participate in multi-lateral cultural mechanisms, and make use of UNESCO programs and ideas to serve national development. These guidelines reveal Vietnam’s dynamism in international integration. Vietnam’s membership on the World Heritage Committee reflects the international community’s trust in Vietnam. Head of the Vietnam National Commission of UNESCO, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son said:“Vietnam’s prestige in the international arena has improved. Vietnam has contributed several ideas to the UNESCO Executive Council. Vietnam’s relationship with UNESCO has strengthened in recent years, and the key to this improvement is Vietnam’s potential contribution to UNESCO as a country with a long history and cultural heritages that have been recognized internationally”.
Culture is a bridge to diplomatic relations. By improving diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges bring countries closer together. In Vietnam’s history of diplomacy, cultural diplomacy has been used successfully in resolving conflicts and establishing sustainable friendships with other countries. A long-term strategy for cultural diplomacy will continue to enhance Vietnam’s prestige in the world and will be a top priority of Vietnam’s diplomatic activities in 2014.