Art exchange program in Hoi An strengthens Vietnam-Colombia friendship

The event was organized by the Embassy of Colombia in coordination with the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs, the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Management Center for Hoi An Cultural Heritage.

Opening the event, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that this activity originated from a proposal by Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila Maria Polo Florez during her working visit to Da Nang in March 2026.

According to Trang, Da Nang is a youthful, dynamic, and open city toward international friends, possessing cultural depth built over centuries, with Hoi An serving as a historical convergence point for various cultures. The interaction between Colombian and Da Nang youth within the heritage space helps deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two sides.

Sharing at the program, Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila Maria Polo Florez said that when the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected Vietnam as one of the priority countries under its 15th Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Program, she wished to bring a part of Colombian cultural heritage to Vietnam, including Hoi An.

Despite geographical distance, Vietnam and Colombia both place high importance on preserving their traditions, heritage, and national identity, the Ambassador stated. The young dance troupe brought to Da Nang traditional Bambuco and Sanjuanero dances associated with Huila department, which have been recognized as intangible cultural heritages of Colombia.

In the ancient town of Hoi An, young Colombian dancers performed traditional folk dances in colorful attires, combining lively rhythms with characteristic movements from the Huila region. Da Nang youth also introduced local cultural performances, creating an open and close-knit exchange atmosphere.

Within the framework of the program in Da Nang, the young Colombian dance troupe also interacted with the Hoi An International School and Hope School, and performed art shows at Ba Na Hills. These activities aim to expand exchanges among the younger generation, enhance cultural understanding, and enhance further people-to-people connections between Colombia and Da Nang.

Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Florez shared that getting to Vietnam involved overcoming considerable logistical and financial challenges. However, the enthusiasm, positive energy, and experiences of the youngsters in Vietnam proved that those efforts were worthwhile.

The Ambassador emphasized that they came to Vietnam as young "cultural ambassadors" of Colombia and will take home experiences regarding the country and people of Vietnam, thereby serving as bridges contributing to understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Vietnam and Colombia established diplomatic relations in January 1979. In 2024, the two countries marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties while continuing to bolster cooperation across various fields, including culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

Colombia hopes to enhance parliamentary cooperation with Vietnam: lower house leader

President of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia Andrés David Calle Aguas hosted a reception on March 5 for Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela and Colombia Vu Trung My, during which he urged the two countries to consider establishing the Colombia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

Colombia desires Vietnam to soon open its embassy to further boost relations

VOV.VN - Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that Vietnam open an embassy in Colombia in the near future to create a premise for boosting all-around co-operation to be on a par with the friendly relationship, as well as the inherent potential between the two countries, especially in economics and trade.