Connecting cultures through the language of food

(CLO) On the morning of December 8, the 2024 International Food Festival with the theme "Gastronomy of unity - Connected cuisine" officially opened at the Diplomatic Corps Area (298 Kim Ma, Hanoi).

This year's event brings together more than 130 booths from 40 embassies, international organizations, businesses and local Foreign Affairs Departments, creating a space that brings together the quintessence of global culture and cuisine .

Delegates visit exhibition booths at the 2024 International Food Festival. Photo: An Dang/VNA

Attending the opening ceremony were wives of high-ranking leaders, such as Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly (wife of General Secretary To Lam), Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc (wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son), Mrs. Mai Thi Hanh (wife of formerPresident Truong Tan Sang), along with Ambassadors and Heads of international organizations in Vietnam.

In her opening speech, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Honorary President of the ASEAN Women's Circle in Hanoi (AWCH), affirmed that after more than a decade of organization, the International Food Festival has become an international event, not only a place for cultural and culinary exchange but also contributing to promoting the image of the country and people of Vietnam to friends around the world.

Ms. Bich Ngoc emphasized that through each festival, the event has affirmed its role as a "common language" connecting people from different cultures, helping them find harmony and connection through cuisine.

This year’s festival continues to impress with unique dishes from all over the world, not only with their distinctive flavors but also telling stories about the history and traditional values ​​of each nation. The booths are not only a place to display culinary arts but also a bridge for countries to introduce their cultural quintessence.

In addition, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc also shared that the money raised from previous festivals has been used to support orphans, people with disabilities, poor women and those in difficult circumstances across Vietnam.

“We hope that this year's program will continue to receive your support to spread love, help more unfortunate lives and multiply the humane value of the event,” she said.

Expressing her impression of attending the Festival, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, commented that Vietnam is an ideal place to organize an international culinary event thanks to its rich and unique cuisine.

“From fresh ingredients, delicate flavors to sophisticated cooking techniques, Vietnamese dishes are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the culinary quintessence of more than 60 countries and territories. This is the pinnacle of global culinary art,” Ms. Pauline Tamesis emphasized.

Not only is it an occasion to celebrate cuisine, the Festival also opens up opportunities to strengthen international cooperation and discuss global challenges such as the transformation of the agricultural and food systems. Ms. Pauline Tamesis affirmed that the United Nations in Vietnam will continue to accompany the Government and relevant parties in addressing these challenges.

At the end of the opening ceremony, the leaders' wives, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations in Vietnam presented commemorative medals and thank-you letters to sponsors and booths and visited the space that converged the colors of international cuisine.

The 2024 International Food Festival is not only a place to honor culture and cuisine but also spread the message of sharing and connection, affirming Vietnam's position as a cultural bridge between countries.

Kieu Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-hoan-am-thuc-quoc-te-2024-ket-noi-van-hoa-qua-ngon-ngu-am-thuc-post324672.html