“Vietnam days in Switzerland 2021" promote Vietnam's identity to Switzerland and Europe

Guests joining the event from Bern (left to right): President of the Association of Vietnamese Intellectuals and Experts in Switzerland Luu Vinh Toan; Ambassador of Vietnam to Switzerland Le Linh Lan, President of the Vietnam-Switzerland Friendship Association Anjuska Weil; General Secretary of the Vietnamese Association in Switzerland Ngoc Dung Moser

This is a meaningful event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Switzerland diplomatic relations (October 11, 1971 – October 11, 2021), strengthening the friendship between the two countries, as well as creating opportunities for long-term cooperation and development.

The event welcomed Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of Vietnam to Switzerland Le Linh Lan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, WTO, and Other International Organisations in Geneva Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Yannick Roulin and Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Switzerland Philipp Rosler.

In his welcoming speech, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam Dang Hoang Giang said: “Vietnam Days in Switzerland 2021 not only testifies the strong relations between Vietnam and Switzerland, it also promotes the image of a beautiful, authentic yet dynamic Vietnam, which is ready to cooperate with Switzerland in all fields, especially innovation and creativity.”

Dr. Philipp Rosler Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Zug, Switzerland, former Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Health, Minister of Economics and Technology of Germany discussing the economic cooperation between Vietnam and Switzerland

Up next, Switzerland Ambassador to Vietnam and Vietnamese Ambassadors to Switzerland sent special greetings.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam Days in Switzerland 2021 was held virtually for the first time, broadcasting live from three bridge points: the main stage in Vietnam Television, the Embassy of Vietnam in Switzerland, and the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, WTO, and other International Organizations in Geneva.

Vietnam Days in Switzerland 2021 consisted of five chapters.

Part 1: Hello, Switzerland! Hello, Europe! brought Vietnam closer to the international public by highlighting the nation's diplomatic and economic partnership with Switzerland and its world-class agricultural achievements.

Swiss tourist Michael Gerber, who has spent three years in Vietnam, revealing foreign travellers’ favourite dishes

Part 2: Authentic Culture portrayed Vietnam’s diverse culture rooted in wet rice civilization. The audience enjoyed traditional art performances, which have been recognised as world intangible heritages, such as Hue Royal Court Music and “Then” singing. This part also discussed the topic of cultural heritage preservation.

Through impressive footage and special art performances, Part 3: Amazing Country promoted stunning landscapes in Vietnam, from mountainous areas, alluvial plains to modern urban cities. In addition, the audience had the chance to explore famous specialties such as pho, bun cha, or hu tieu from the perspective of Swiss tourists.

Besides interesting anecdotes from guests, performances from well-known singers also highlighted the event.

Part 4: Future Generations emphasised various social, economic, and technological achievements via sharings from prominent figures of Vietnamese generations. These people, including chairman of FPT Hoang Nam Tien, VinAI Research Institute of VinGroup Bui Hai Hung, shared their stories from chapters of Vietnam's development into a modern and integrated Vietnam.

With the live broadcasting format, the event allowed live comments and interactions, creating an exciting experience for the audience. The event will be re-broadcast on VTV4.

Vietnam Days in Switzerland 2021 was organised under the framework of Vietnam Days Abroad, an annual national promotion programme held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010.