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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai speaks at the opening ceremony of the “Long-Haired Army” photo exhibition at the Women’s Museum in Mexico City. (Photo: Phuong Lan/VNA) |
The opening ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico, Nguyen Van Hai; representatives from Mexican cultural and diplomatic agencies; as well as journalists and scholars from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Mexican Women’s University Federation (FEMU).
In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai underscored the importance of the "Long-haired Army" photo exhibition, held as part of a series of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the exhibition contributes to promoting the image of Vietnamese women among the Mexican public.
He stressed that only days after Viet Nam’s historic victory on April 30, 1975, Mexico became one of the first Latin American countries, and one among the first globally, to establish diplomatic ties with unified Viet Nam. Since then, the friendship and cooperation between the two nations have continuously expanded across politics, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Regarding the role of women, during the war, women were not only devoted mothers and hardworking wives, but also courageous soldiers. Embodying the spirit of “When the enemy comes, even women have to fight,” they played active roles across all military fronts. The “Long-haired Army of Viet Nam,” led by General Nguyen Thi Dinh, is a vivid symbol of the Vietnamese people’s resilience and determination, especially Vietnamese women.
He honored the legacy of renowned Vietnamese heroines such as Ba Trung, Ba Trieu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Vo Thi Sau, Nguyen Thi Dinh, and many others whose patriotism, sacrifice, and leadership were instrumental to the Vietnamese victory and continue to inspire generations.
According to the Ambassador, the role of women is increasingly acknowledged, respected, and valued in both Mexico and Viet Nam today, representing the progress of a humane, equitable, democratic, and prosperous society. He expressed his hope that an exhibition showcasing Mexican women would soon be held in Viet Nam, believing that the deep-rooted traditional values shared by both peoples will continue to inspire the engagement of both sides' women.
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| Cultural advocate, Dr. Kyra Núñez de León, co-organizer of the exhibition, introduces the photos displayed. (Photo: Phuong Lan/VNA) |
At the event, cultural advocate Dr. Kyra Núñez de León shared her deep admiration for Vietnamese women, drawn from her years of engagement with Viet Nam and interviews with members of the “Long-haired Army”, especially General Nguyen Thi Dinh. She praised their courage, indomitable spirit, and noble qualities during the resistance for national independence and in the ongoing period of development and integration.
During her recent visit to Viet Nam at the end of April, Dr. Kyra Núñez was deeply committed to forging collaboration between the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Mexican Women’s Museum. Her efforts aimed to organize the “Long-haired Army” exhibition in Mexico, introducing the Vietnamese nation and people to the Mexican public, with special emphasis on the Vietnamese women. The exhibition marks both the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s historic victory on April 30, 1975, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Mexico.
To Dr. Kyra Núñez, women of both nations share admirable traits: courage, competence, and an unwavering dedication to defending their homelands and shaping just, compassionate societies. Through evocative photographs, the exhibition shines a spotlight on the pivotal role of Vietnamese women and revives a heroic chapter in the nation’s history. It serves as a compelling reminder of the value of peace, unity, and the transformative power of women in social movements. The exhibition also illustrates the special bond between Viet Nam and Mexico - two nations, though geographically apart, but closely aligned in their pursuit of peace, freedom, and universal respect for human dignity.
Dr. Núñez expressed her desire to continue collaborating with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, the Mexican Women’s Museum, the Mexican Embassy in Viet Nam, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico to organize a companion exhibition on Mexican women in Viet Nam next year.
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| Visitors to the photo exhibition. (Photo: Phuong Lan/VNA) |
The “Long-haired Army” exhibition will open to the public free of charge at the Mexican Women’s Museum (Mexico City) until the end of August 2025.
Source: Vietnamtimes
