Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the opening ceremony of the first World Cultural Festival in Hanoi.

The festival is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Committee of Hanoi City.

Also attending the event were: Nguyen Van Hung, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Nguyen Manh Cuong, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Pham Thi Thanh Mai, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Council; and Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam.

With the theme "Colors of Vietnam - Rhythms of the World ," the opening art program of the festival aims to celebrate the diverse beauty of cultures, where each nation contributes a color, a sound, blending together to create a brilliant symphony of humanity. In this tapestry, Vietnam proudly contributes with its national cultural melodies, breaths that are both traditional and modern, familiar yet deeply imbued with the spirit of integration.

Opening his speech at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his deepest condolences and sympathy to the people in the areas affected by natural disasters and floods.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the representatives of the countries that contributed to this event, and emphasized the role of culture in connecting people, nations, and the world. Culture knows no borders, and therefore the World Culture Festival in Hanoi is also a connection between the Vietnamese people and the peoples of the world.

Recalling President Ho Chi Minh's words at the First National Cultural Conference in 1946 that "Culture illuminates the path for the nation," Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the Party always attaches importance to cultural development, considering culture as an intrinsic strength connecting people and economies . Vietnam is developing its cultural and entertainment industries, thereby contributing to promoting national identity to the international community and enabling the people to enjoy Vietnamese culture and world civilization.

The Prime Minister expressed his hope that sectors, localities, and countries with relations with Vietnam would continue to support the World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, so that the festival would become an annual brand; and continue to make culture an intrinsic strength, a strength of international solidarity, and a strength of sharing.

At the event, the Prime Minister called for sharing, contributing, and joining hands from people nationwide and international friends. Organizing the Hanoi World Culture Festival on this occasion, in addition to honoring the beauty of Vietnamese and world culture, also signifies the spirit of sharing and "national solidarity." The program includes meaningful activities aimed at raising funds for those severely affected by the recent storms and floods.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, affirmed: “Hanoi has long been a bridge between cultures, a city where traditional values ​​intersect with creativity. The first-ever World Culture Festival in Hanoi brings together artists, communities, and nations to share traditional values ​​and innovative ideas, to listen to and affirm that cultural differences do not divide us, but rather connect us.”

The artistic program at the opening ceremony was divided into three chapters, taking the audience on a journey from heritage to modernity and out into the world. Chapter 1, "Melodies of Heritage," begins with folk songs, traditional music, and the vibrant cultural colors that form the unique roots and identity of Vietnam.

Chapter 2, "Modern Colors," opens up a vibrant space of present-day Vietnam, a country undergoing a powerful transformation in the spirit of creativity and integration. Music, light, and imagery combine to reveal a youthful, dynamic Vietnam, where tradition and modernity meet in every aspect of life.

Chapter 3: "Harmonizing with the World" tells the story of Vietnam extending its arms to connect with friends from all over the world, together singing a global symphony where music and art become a common language that unites hearts.

At the event, the audience also enjoyed performances by international art troupes from Japan, India, Laos, Mongolia, and other countries, creating a vibrant and multinational cultural exchange atmosphere.

Representing the host country Vietnam, with the presence of renowned artists such as People's Artist Thuy Huong, singers Tung Duong, Hoa Minzy, the Oplus group, Ngoc Anh, cellist Dinh Hoai Xuan, Tieu Minh Phung, Mai Trang, An Thu An... together lit up a night of art filled with emotion and pride.

Running until October 12th, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site will become a "common home" for the world, where music, colors, flavors, and emotions blend in an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity.

Text and photos: THAI PHUONG - HA ANH

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/thu-tuong-pham-minh-chinh-du-khai-mac-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-lan-thu-nhat-850194