The World Heritage Committee agrees with the orientation and vision for preserving and developing the heritage of Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

*Vietnamese delegation attends the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee.*

At 10:30 local time (12:00 Hanoi time), July 24, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center in New Delhi, India, at the 46th Session, Chairman of the World Heritage Committee Vishal V. Sharma gavel to approve Decision No. 46 COM 7B.43, officially agreeing with the contents of Vietnam's proposal on the orientation, vision for research, conservation and development of the World Heritage Site of the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. According to the original plan, this dossier was expected to be considered and approved on the morning of July 25, however, at Vietnam's request, the Chairman of the World Heritage Committee and all members of the Committee agreed to move the consideration of the dossier one day earlier. Accordingly, the World Heritage Committee has acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements that Vietnam has made in the process of implementing all the commitments of the Vietnamese Government since the heritage was listed in 2010. The dossier on preserving and promoting the value of the World Heritage Site of the Central Area of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was approved, opening up the Hoang Dao Axis, moving towards restoring the space and Kinh Thien Palace. Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc affirmed the special significance of the dossier "priority of all priorities"; emphasizing that the members of the World Heritage Committee highly appreciated the spirit of openness, seriousness, and responsibility of Vietnam in cooperating and accompanying the World Heritage Center, ICOMOS to realize the aspirations of the nation on the basis of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the World Heritage Convention, complying with Vietnam's commitments, and further promoting the outstanding global value of the heritage. The Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO emphasized that the approval of the dossier is like a stick of incense to respectfully offer to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who has always paid attention to preserving and promoting the value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage - a sacred symbol of the nation, the center of political power for 13 centuries in Vietnam. Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha said that the results achieved at this session marked the close cooperation and coordination of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, domestic and foreign scientists with Hanoi in the process of building, submitting and campaigning for the scientific dossier, as well as the dedicated advice of UNESCO's specialized agencies, the World Heritage Center and ICOMOS. Director of the World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo affirmed that the dossier is of great significance not only to Vietnam but also to the world, associated with new issues related to the development process of heritage; considering this a model of cooperation between member countries, UNESCO and advisory bodies, and also a typical example of world heritage conservation.

*Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.*

Within the framework of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, President of the UNESCO National Commission Ha Kim Ngoc had a meeting and worked with UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, President of the World Heritage Committee Vishal V. Sharma; chaired a meeting with President of the International Council of Monuments and Sites ICOMOS Teresa Patricio and Director General of ICOMOS Marie-Laure Lavenir, Heads of the delegations of the countries.

During the meetings, the leaders of UNESCO, ICOMOS and the heads of delegations of the countries sent their deepest condolences to the leaders and people of Vietnam and the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for the great loss. The partners all highly appreciated the good cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO and member countries, as well as Vietnam's important and effective contributions to the common work of the Organization, as a member of the Organization's 6 key operating mechanisms; emphasized that Vietnam is a model and typical example of cooperation between member countries and advisory bodies in the conservation and promotion of heritage values associated with sustainable development; hoped that Vietnam would continue to cooperate closely, promote initiatives, and share Vietnam's experiences in the region and internationally. Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha highly appreciated and thanked ICOMOS for its support in the process of building the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Conservation Dossier; emphasized the significance of constructive dialogue and mutual trust, hoping to continue to cooperate closely with ICOMOS in promoting heritage values in the coming time. Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh highly appreciated the special cultural, historical and spiritual significance of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscape Complex, expressing her joy at welcoming ICOMOS experts to Vietnam to appraise the nomination dossier. At the same time, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee Le Khac Nam shared the desire of the two localities of Quang Ninh - Hai Phong to add cultural criteria to the world natural heritage Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, asking ICOMOS to continue to accompany and support Vietnam. UNESCO and ICOMOS leaders pledged to support Vietnam in building and promoting the heritage dossiers proposed by Vietnam.

The World Heritage Committee agrees with the orientation and vision for preserving and developing the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage - Photo 1

Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and delegates.

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee will continue until July 31 to consider 27 new heritage listing dossiers and 124 dossiers to preserve and promote the values of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (SPLOS) 34th session held from June 10-14. ...

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/uy-ban-di-san-the-gioi-dong-thuan-voi-dinh-huong-tam-nhin-bao-ton-va-phat-trien-di-san-hoang-thanh-thang-long.html