State President, Cambodian King Enjoy Tea at Temple of Literature

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneat Norodom Sihamoni toured the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam) in Hanoi on November 29 and enjoyed Vietnam's tea there as part of the King’s state visit.
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During the tea-drinking session, President Luong Cuong introduced the King to the historical significance of the Temple of Literature, highlighting it as a symbol of Hanoi's thousand-year-old heritage and the country’s first university which houses 82 stone stelae of doctoral laureates, recognized by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage.

President Luong Cuong and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni enjoy tea in the space of the special national relic Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam.
President Luong Cuong (R) and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni enjoy tea in the space of the special national relic Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

The site previously welcomed King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother during their state visit to Vietnam in December 1995.

The State leader also shared the unique style and art of drinking tea in Vietnam with the King. They later heard tea master Dao Duc Hieu introduce the rare and prized tea harvested from age-old tea trees in Yen Bai province, northern Vietnam. They also learned about the techniques of Vietnamese tea brewing and the cultural significance of tea drinking in Vietnam.

President Luong Cuong and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni listen to an introduction to Vietnam's precious teas. (Photo: Nhan Dan)
President Luong Cuong and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni listen to an introduction to Vietnam's precious teas. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

Sampling the rare and delicate Red Tea, Cuong shared that tea has always been an integral part of Vietnamese life, with the tea-drinking tradition creating a distinctive cultural identity known as “the soul of Vietnamese tea.” This tradition is celebrated in folk songs, proverbs, and literary works.

The Vietnamese President also discussed the various tea-drinking practices in Vietnam and said Vietnamese people often enjoy tea in pairs to express sincere feelings with close friends, reflect on life’s events, and hope for the best.

He expressed his delight at the stable development of the Vietnam-Cambodia relations, with the trust and bond between their leaders and peoples being increasingly strengthened.

President Luong Cuong said he believes that the King, in his esteemed position, will continue to nurture this fine relationship and support efforts to educate the people, especially the younger generation, about the solidarity and mutual sacrifices between the two countries and peoples; and pay attention to further advancing the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship.

President Luong Cuong presents gifts to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
President Luong Cuong presents gifts to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

He also wished the King good health and continued success in leading Cambodia to greater achievements in national development.

Also in the morning, King Norodom Sihamoni visited Quan Su Pagoda, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and shared his thoughts with the distinguished Buddhist monks at the pagoda.

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