(CPV) - The program "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024" contributes to strengthening the friendship and bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. This series of events not only introduces traditional cultural values but also demonstrates Vietnam's aspiration for integration and development in the context of globalization.
Although the official opening ceremony began at 5:15 p.m. on December 13, 2024, the cultural space at "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024" at the Cultural Palace, the capital Riyadh, was bustling with people coming to attend.
Thousands of visitors attended the first day of the event “Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024”, enjoying a space imbued with Vietnamese identity, experiencing unique cultural activities and enjoying famous dishes prepared by famous chefs from Vietnam.
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| Saudi Arabian public is fascinated with traditional Vietnamese lacquer painting art. |
The cultural space is delicately designed with a complex of exhibitions and diverse cultural experiences and exchanges, imbued with Vietnamese identity. The photo exhibition "Quintessence of Vietnamese culture" and "World heritages in Vietnam recognized by UNESCO" are brilliant highlights, introducing the image of a beautiful Vietnam, from famous landscapes to unique cultural heritages, helping viewers have a clearer view of Vietnam's role in preserving culture and developing the local economy and society.
The art experience area received attention from the Saudi Arabian public and international friends. Here, Vietnamese artisans guided visitors to make colorful clay figurines, try drawing traditional Dong Ho paintings, or create sparkling lacquer paintings. These activities not only brought creative moments but also helped international friends better understand the culture and creative spirit of the Vietnamese people.
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| The traditional art of making clay figurines attracts both adults and children during “Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia”. |
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| Dong Ho artisans enthusiastically guide visitors to create paintings using traditional seal carving techniques. |
In addition, the art stage with performances of traditional musical instruments bearing the imprint of traditional music also attracted the audience. The audience was amazed by the performance of the quartet of flutes, erhu, pipa and monochord, which are still very new to the people of the Middle East in general and Saudi Arabia in particular.
In particular, the food booth with typical flavors from Vietnamese dishes has been transformed to suit Halal culinary standards such as herbal beef noodle soup, fried lotus seafood spring rolls, grilled shrimp and chicken spring rolls... prepared directly at the event, attracting diners.
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| Culinary expert Nguyen Thuong Quan guides international guests through the experience of making traditional Vietnamese dishes. |
While inhaling the aroma of star anise, cardamom and cinnamon, Mr. David Wilson, a Saudi Arabian businessman, shared: “I had pho when I traveled to Vietnam a few years ago. Today, enjoying this “heritage” dish at the event ‘Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia’, for me, it was truly an unforgettable experience. The delicate harmony of flavors, the aroma of fresh herbs, and the refreshing taste of the broth took me as if I were lost in the streets of Hanoi. Pho is not only a dish, but also a journey to discover the warm Vietnamese culture.”
To bring the Arab public the original traditional flavors of Vietnam, culinary expert Nguyen Thuong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Chef Vocational Training and Employment Association (VICA), said he has carefully researched the culture and culinary characteristics of the local people to be able to prepare dishes that are both uniquely Vietnamese and familiar to the public.
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| International diners line up to enjoy Pho - Vietnam's "national dish". |
“Looking at the way people gather, line up, hold hot bowls of pho, cherish every sip of broth, every slice of pho... I clearly feel that Arabs really love this dish” - a leading Vietnamese culinary expert shared at the opening ceremony of Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024. It is known that nearly 300 servings of pho, more than 500 spring rolls and fried spring rolls were fully enjoyed by the public after only 2 hours of opening.
Taking place from December 13-15, the program "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024" has a special meaning, contributing to strengthening the friendship and bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. This series of events not only introduces traditional cultural values but also demonstrates Vietnam's aspiration for integration and development in the context of globalization.
The event venue is located in the diplomatic area in the capital Riyadh, so it attracted many international visitors, especially diplomatic representatives from many countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country, more than ten ambassadors of various countries in Saudi Arabia, along with many politicians, businessmen and local people.
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| “Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024” officially opened at Cultural Palace, Riyadh on December 13, 2024. |
Mr. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, Ambassador Dang Xuan Dung and Mr. Mohammed Al Otaibi, Director of the Department of Tourism and Events, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the series of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
With the theme “Convergence of the quintessence of a thousand years of culture - Rising in the era of wealth and prosperity”, “Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024” affirms the unique cultural identity of Vietnam, and is also a testament to the comprehensive and modern cultural diplomacy strategy, bringing Vietnamese culture far and wide on the world map./.
Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/nguoi-viet-nam-o-nuoc-ngoai/hang-nghin-luot-khach-tham-du-ngay-viet-nam-tai-a-rap-xe-ut-2024-686951.html
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