French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung. Photo: toquoc.vn

Deepening bilateral relations between Vietnam and France, promoting multilateral cooperation within the framework of UNESCO

During three days, from November 16-19, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung paid a working visit to France with a busy schedule of activities. What are some important highlights of this working visit?

The recent business trip to the French Republic from November 16 to 19 of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung was short but achieved great results.

The Minister's business trip deepened bilateral relations between Vietnam and France in the fields under the Ministry's responsibility while expanding and promoting multilateral cooperation within the framework of UNESCO.

The Minister also carried out the Party's foreign affairs work, strengthening the friendship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the French Communist Party, promoting parliamentary diplomacy, and focusing on the spiritual life of our overseas Vietnamese in France.

At the meeting with French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak, the two Ministers discussed and evaluated the good cooperation activities between Vietnam and France in cultural fields.

On this occasion, Minister Nguyen Van Hung proposed a joint initiative between the two Ministers to soon build a cooperation plan between the two ministries to promote cultural cooperation with specific project and roadmap.

Jérémy Bacchi, senator, vice chairman of the Committee on Culture, Education and Information in the French Senate, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang. Photo: toquoc.vn

During this working trip, through meetings and contacts, Minister Nguyen Van Hung contributed to deepening the bilateral relationship between France and Vietnam.

He also carried out the Party's foreign affairs work, affirming the friendship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the French Communist Party.

The Minister also had discussions with the culture committee of the French Senate, suggesting some content of cooperation between the two sides.

The Minister's business trip took place at the time UNESCO held its 42nd General Assembly with the participation of a large number of member countries and more than 60 Ministers of Culture and Education.

This is an important event, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO, affirming Vietnam's commitment as a positive, and responsible member.

Vietnam further promotes contributions in specialized agencies and committees of UNESCO.

Vietnam holds positions in important UNESCO conventions

Could you share more about Vietnam's election results as a member of the World Heritage Committee?

Our candidacy for the World Heritage Committee is a decision based on an assessment of position and strength and this is the second time Vietnam has run for this important position.

The first time we ran for this convention was ten years ago. The 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is the most important convention in the system of UNESCO.

Many UNESCO officials evaluate Vietnam as a model for preserving and promoting heritage values, hoping that Vietnam will share this lesson with the world.

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo: toquoc.vn

With Vietnam just being elected to the World Heritage Committee, this is probably the first time that our country is taking on the position of member of all three important UNESCO Conventions on culture.

These are the World Heritage Committee, 1972 Convention, 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

We are also members of the Executive Council of UNESCO, Vice President of the 42nd General Assembly.

Never before has Vietnam held all important positions at UNESCO like at the present time. It demonstrates our position and strength in multilateral diplomacy, promoting cultural values and the strength of Vietnamese people in this organization.

As a member of the World Heritage Committee, what is Vietnam's role in preserving world heritage in upcoming programs?

When Vietnam is a member of international committees and conventions, Vietnam not only focuses on preserving its own heritage values but also plays an important role in the international community.

Vietnam contributes to the cause of promoting heritage values, representing the voices of countries in the region and developing countries to contribute to UNESCO's common policies and actions in preserving heritage values for sustainable development.

Therefore, the team of experts needs to further strengthen their professional work, show initiative and positivity, contributing ideas to the world, sharing lessons learned and contributing to building common world policies.

At the World Heritage Committee, Vietnam is expected to make practical contributions, based on the proposed action program.

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