New Zealand, Australian Embassies wish luck for women’s team at historic World Cup

The New Zealand and Australian Embassies in Hanoi have organised a farewell party to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Vietnamese national women's football team and bid good luck to them ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
New Zealand, Australian Embassies wish luck for women’s team at historic World Cup ảnh 1(From left to right) New Zealand Ambassador Tredene Dobson, national team captain Huynh Nhu, Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski and Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong cut a cake during the farewell party on July 2 in Hanoi. (Photo courtesy of the New Zealand Embassy)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The New Zealand and Australian Embassiesin Hanoi have organised a farewell party to celebrate the remarkableachievements of the Vietnamese national women's football team and bid good luckto them ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong, GeneralSecretary  of the Vietnam FootballFederation Duong Nghiep Khoi, and the national team’s head coach Mai DucChung, as well as five players attended the event in Hanoi on July 2.

Guests had the chance to meet team members and wish them luckahead of their historic journey while enjoying some captivating entertainment.

The two ambassadors also presented farewell gifts to the team.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the third most watchsporting event in the world, and a great opportunity to promote women insport," said Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski.

"I congratulate you all on being part of this incrediblesporting occasion. As Prime Ministers Anthony Norman Albanese and Pham Minh Chinhsaid at a recent meeting with the team, ‘You are already winners, go and enjoyyourselves – you’ve already made us proud’.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand Ambassador Tredene Dobson expressed herexcitement as the date of departure approaches, saying: “We have been waitingfor this day for so long and are delighted to welcome the Vietnamese women’snational football team to Aotearoa New Zealand as the team plays in its firstever FIFA Women’s World Cup.

"This reception is a great opportunity to wish them the verybest of luck for their historic journey ahead. We know that Vietnam’s goldengirls will do Vietnam proud and we look forward to people of Aotearoa NewZealand getting to know the fighting spirit that they have displayed in thelead up to this competition.”

At the event, Khoi also announced that the song Vietnam Oi by musician Bui Quang Minhwould be the official song of the team in the World Cup. It would be played inevery squad's game during their time in the global football competition.

The team will depart for New Zealand on July 5 to prepare for thegroup round where they will have two friendly matches against the hosts andSpain.

Their tournament will begin on July 22 against defending championsthe US. The other rivals are Portugal (July 27) and the Netherlands(August 1) in Group E./.
VNA

See more

The poster of the Vietnam Circus Federation's special performance dedicated to soldiers who devoted and sacrificed their lives in safeguarding the nation's borders. (Photo: Vietnam Circus Federation)

Wide range of artistic programmes to commemorate war invalids and martyrs day

Alongside tribute activities nationwide to mark the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947–2026), arts organisations and local authorities are staging special performances honouring fallen heroes, war invalids, sick veterans and people who rendered meritorious service to the revolution, while promoting the tradition of gratitude, patriotism and national pride.

At the opening of the first-ever Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam charts course for regional culture, creativity hub status by 2045

The blueprint seeks to deepen international cultural integration, export Vietnamese values and absorb the essence of world cultures. The end goal is an advanced culture steeped in national identity, deployed as a soft power to fuel rapid, sustainable growth, lift Vietnam’s global standing, and add a distinct thread to the tapestry of human civilisation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, speaks at plenary session of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan on July 20, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam proposes priorities to strengthen international cooperation on world heritage conservation

On behalf of Vietnam, the deputy minister proposed three priorities of strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building for member states, particularly developing countries; promoting science-based conservation that strikes a balance between preservation and development while placing local communities at the centre; and enhancing coordination among relevant conventions and programmes, alongside the responsible application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in heritage conservation.

Claudia Roth, a member of the German Bundestag, visits the Vietnamese booth at the festival. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam attends multicultural festival in Germany as guest of honour

The Vietnamese booth attracted a large number of visitors with traditional dishes such as "nem cuon" (fresh spring rolls) and "bun cha" (grilled pork with vermicelli), along with displays of ao dai (traditional long dress), conical hats and cultural performances imbued with Vietnamese identity. These activities helped spread Vietnamese culture and foster understanding and closer ties between the Vietnamese community, German residents and international friends.

Representatives of countries and territories participating in the Asian Pencak Silat Championship. Photo: VNA)

10th Asian Pencak Silat Championship opens in Dong Nai

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Thi Ngoc Loan said the championship offers athletes an opportunity to compete in a spirit of fairness and sportsmanship while promoting exchanges, mutual understanding and friendship among participating countries.

A special art performance at the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026 opens, promoting sustainable marine development

Having been held 10 times, the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival has evolved beyond a local celebration into an event of national significance in culture, economy and external relations. This year's edition continues to honour Vietnam's maritime cultural heritage while promoting tourism, the marine economy and international integration.

The golf course at NovaWorld Phan Thiet will host international tournaments during Sports Festival 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Around 7,000 athletes to compete at Sports Festival 2026

This year's festival will feature 12 sports, introducing several new events such as national youth triathlon and beach tennis championship, while expanding its international scope by bringing together clubs, athletes, and police forces from ASEAN countries for events such as the ASEAN Police Open Golf Tournament 2026.

A performance of Cheo Tau folk singing, a distinctive cultural tradition of O Dien commune in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Beyond preservation: Unlocking the value of Vietnam's heritage

Dr. Nguyen Thu Hanh, Director of the Centre for Research and Development of Vietnam Cultural Industry (SDCI), said Vietnam has traditionally focused on preserving heritage rather than creating new value from it. The key obstacle, she noted, is the weak connection between heritage and science, technology, education, design, communications and the marketplace, limiting its economic, educational and social impact despite the country's abundant cultural resources.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Film screening in Vientiane highlights Vietnam-Laos strategic cohesion

A screening of the special Vietnamese feature film Mua Do (Red Rain) was held in Vientiane on July 16 to mark the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977–2026), reaffirming the two countries' strategic cohesion through cultural exchange.

Artists from the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre deliver emotionally compelling performances that recreate the rich historical legacy of Thang Long–Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader's directives chart new course for culture-led development: experts

Artists and cultural experts shared the view that the top leader's guidance at the second meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Vietnamese Culture not only reviewed the initial implementation of the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW but also identified four major gaps requiring urgent action and three strategic shifts to unlock the full potential of culture.