A gala diner themed “Vietnamese culture – identity and integration” was held on July 22 to spotlight Vietnam’s cultural heritages in honour of the officials who are currently attending the 43 rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM 43).

During the gala, the guests were entertained with a special programme of Vietnamese folk music which has been recently recognised by UNESCO as world intangible cultural heritages.

The guests were also introduced to Vietnam’s other heritages, with videos and decorative panels, said Chau.

The ASEAN foreign ministers attending the gala dinner wore robes made from Thai Tuan silk with decorative patterns of Vietnamese ancient coins and bronze drums, which is a feature of cultural diplomacy.

In addition, each foreign minister leaf the gala diner with a sand painting of their own portrait, a gift from Deputy Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, said Chau.

The event is a very good chance for international friends to get a better understanding of Vietnamese culture, especially its UNESCO-recognised cultural heritages.

The gala diner gave foreign friends a fresh insight into Vietnam as an emerging country with a high economic growth rate and political stability, and a peaceful country with its own unique and diverse national identity.