Cao Bang Strengthens Cultural Exchange in People-to-people Diplomacy

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Cao Bang (Vietnam) and Guangxi (China) share remarkable similarities in ethnic culture. Throughout history, the border residents have been influenced by shared beliefs, customs, farming practices, and inter-ethnic marriages. Through migrations, these residents have carried traditional occupations, folk songs, rituals, and farming practices, leading to a natural cultural exchange. These conditions have fostered the continued development of the ethnic cultures in both localities.

Capitalizing on these advantages, under the diplomatic policies of the Party and State, the province has effectively leveraged its unique cultural values, organizing numerous cultural exchange and cooperation activities in people-to-people diplomacy. As a border province, Cao Bang serves as a gateway for ASEAN countries to China. The province actively expands cooperative relations with Chinese provinces and cities, facilitating meetings, exchanges, talks, and seminars at provincial and district levels, and implementing signed agreements on economic development, tourism, cultural exchange, staff training, and labor cooperation.

The foreign affairs sector has stimulated the province to sign 349 international agreements with localities, partners, and foreign enterprises, thereby strengthening cooperative and friendly relations between the province and its international partners.

Exchange activities and delegation visits at all levels have been promoted, especially in border districts. Cultural and artistic exchanges have occurred on holidays, New Year, and traditional days in various forms. To date, the province has established twinning relations between 5 border districts and 10 border hamlets and communes with border towns, townships, and districts of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Efforts to engage with overseas Vietnamese have been prioritized, focusing on effectively propagating and disseminating the Party and State's policies and guidelines, and providing information on economic, cultural, educational, and customary practices to overseas Vietnamese and their relatives through mass media. Efforts are also made to encourage and facilitate Vietnamese organizations and individuals abroad to explore investment opportunities in the province.

Delegation of the Cao Bang Department of Foreign Affairs working in Baise, Guangxi (China). Photo: Truong Ninh

A significant milestone in foreign affairs and international cooperation occurred in 2018, when the Department of Foreign Affairs advised the province to collaborate with the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in Vietnam. This collaboration led to the successful submission of a dossier to UNESCO, resulting in the recognition of Non Nuoc Cao Bang as a UNESCO Global Geopark on April 12, 2018. At the UNESCO Council meeting in December 2022, the title was reaffirmed following the first re-evaluation. This accomplishment underscores the pivotal role of the provincial foreign affairs in advising the province to actively engage in global activities, both regionally and internationally, while preserving the park's values in line with UNESCO's criteria and recommendations.

Cultural diplomacy has been effectively promoted through various media and communication channels, including Cao Bang Newspaper, Cao Bang Radio and Television, Vietnam Tourism Magazine, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Magazine, foreign affairs electronic information pages, as well as on social networking platforms. These efforts focus on widely disseminating activities based on the Party's guidelines, state policies, and laws, ensuring political security, economic development, cultural enrichment, and societal welfare. Additionally, they aim to introduce and promote the country's image, people, historical traditions, and cultural identity, positioning Cao Bang as a desirable destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Over the past 20 years, the Department of Foreign Affairs has excelled in state management, implementing the Party's foreign policy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. The department has proactively integrated internationally, harnessing the essence of Vietnam's traditional culture and unique local features, while promoting artistic exchanges through people-to-people diplomacy. These efforts have significantly contributed to the successful completion of political tasks assigned by the Party, State, and people.

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