Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations and the Embassy of Laos in Vietnam held a press conference on August 16 to provide details about an upcoming ASEAN friendship cultural festival, which will take place in the capital city from August 29 to September 1.
According to the organisers, it will feature a variety of activities such as a cultural exhibition and exchange programme that highlight the colours of ASEAN. The festival's experiential space will include 57 creative booths from Vietnam and other ASEAN member states, offering souvenirs for youth and families as well as displaying traditional consumer and fashion products. Additionally, there will be culinary stalls for Hanoi's beer festival, beverages from the region, and food stalls serving festival goers. Another 79 booths are set to focus on cultural diplomacy, economic exchange, and regional agricultural products.
A highlight will be the creation of a record-setting silk painting. This artwork may be donated to the organisers, divided into 11 smaller pieces for the ASEAN embassies, or auctioned on the spot. International and Vietnamese children will also have the opportunity to participate in a painting contest titled "I Love Hanoi – A City for Peace." Visitors can enjoy a night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and experience wearing traditional Vietnamese costumes for souvenir photos.
At the press conference, Permanent Vice President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations Tran Thi Phuong said this international cultural exchange event is part of the city’s people-to-people diplomacy efforts, aiming to strengthen the friendship among ASEAN peoples and their international friends. It also provides a platform for bloc members and businesses to showcase their traditional handicrafts, fostering cultural exchange, learning, and collaboration for mutual development.
Lao Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Latana Siharaj noted that during Laos' ASEAN chairmanship this year, the embassy has coordinated numerous activities to promote solidarity and friendship within the bloc.
The diplomat expressed confidence that the upcoming cultural event will be a great success, leaving a strong impression of solidarity and close ties among ASEAN countries, as well as fostering friendship between ASEAN and other nations around the world./.
