12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival closes

The 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival wrapped up on December 20 evening in Ho Chi Minh City.

Indian artists perform at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Indian artists perform at the event. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – The 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival wrapped up on December 20 evening in Ho Chi Minh City.

Jointly held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA) and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), the five-day festival took place in Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City with an opening ceremony, talks, art exchanges, and a closing ceremony.

In his closing remarks, VUFO Vice Chairman Dong Huy Cuong said during the festival, delegates from Indian states and Vietnamese representatives engaged in many meaningful activities, including cultural exchanges, seminars, and experience sharing.

They explored the history and culture of both countries and recalled the beautiful values of the Vietnam-India relationship, which were established by President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and have been continuously nurtured by successive leaders of both nations to develop into a comprehensive strategic partnership today.

Vietnamese and Indian delegates also visited important landmarks and historical sites in Hanoi, Vinh Phuc province, and Ho Chi Minh City, which are linked to the glorious history of Vietnam as well as the Vietnam-India relationship. These exchanges and interactions helped both sides better understand each other, further strengthening solidarity, friendship, and cooperation in culture, economy, education, and other fields between the two nations and their people.

AIPSO Secretary-General Harchand Singh noted that the festival not only reminds both sides of their profound historical relationship but also of the common struggles that have brought the two countries closer together.

He said India considers Vietnam a pillar in its Act East policy and Vietnam sees India as a reliable partner in its development journey. The cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, technology, tourism, trade, and national defence highlights the practicality of India-Vietnam friendship.

He added the festival has reinforced the two countries' shared commitment to these areas, while emphasising the importance of nurturing people-to-people relations - the foundation for India-Vietnam tiess./.

VNA

See more

The Vietnamese space at the 33rd edition of the Havana International Book Fair, which is running from February 13-23. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture introduced at Havana book fair

Books on culture and history of Vietnam, and beloved President Ho Chi Minh, along with images of Vietnam's natural beauty, have drawn the attention of many Cuban and international readers at this year’s fair, which is held annually at the La Cabaña fortress in Havana.

Sinh folk paintings (Photo: VNA)

Hue preserves Sinh village folk paintings

To revive and develop this traditional craft, local authorities are actively promoting vocational training, preservation efforts, and linking the craft with community-based tourism.

Delegates at the signing ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen ties through golf development

As part of the initiative, the VGA will provide expertise in areas such as golf rules, refereeing, coaching, and national rankings, supporting Laos in building a more structured and internationally integrated golf system.

Le Xuan Thanh, Editor-in-Chief of the The Thao & Van Hoa Newspaper and head of the organising board, speaks at the launch of the 19th Cong Hien (Devotion) Awards. (Photo: VNA)

Official nominations announced for Devotion Awards 2025

Le Xuan Thanh, Editor-in-Chief of the The Thao & Van Hoa Newspaper and head of the organising board, said the Music Devotion Awards has played a crucial role in recognising and promoting Vietnamese pop music for two decades. Since 2023, the awards expanded into sports, integrating a hybrid voting system that combines votes from journalists, experts, and the public.