At the reception, Mr. Tho warmly welcomed the delegation and highly appreciated the joint efforts by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations (DAFO) and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) in organising the Festival in Da Nang. The Festival was a significant activity which contributed to promoting the mutual understanding between the two peoples, he said.
Mr. Tho made an introduction of the City’s social and economic developments in recent years; highlighted the cooperative projects between Da Nang and India in the fields of information technology and English training; and expected that more India businesses would invest in Da Nang in the coming time.
Mr. Devi Prasad Tripathi, on behalf of the delegation, thanked for the warm welcome and the support in organising the 6th Vietnam-India People’s Friendship Festival in Da Nang. He appreciated the achievements gained by the City during the past years and believed that Da Nang would take the initiative in the cause of national construction. Mr. Tripathi expected Da Nang would establish a twin relationship with Chennai City of Tamil Nadu State in the coming time. Secretary Tho noted and requested the relevant City departments to study Mr. Tripathi’s proposal.
Earlier in the morning, DAFO in coordination with the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture held a seminar on “Vietnam – India Cultural Exchange”. The seminar saw the presence of Mr. Nguyen Van My, Deputy General Secretary and Head of Asia – Africa Department of VUFO; Mr. Vu Quang Diem, former Ambassador of Vietnam to India, VIFA Vice Chairman; Mr. Huynh Duc Truong, Chairman of DAFO; Mr. Vo Van Thang, Director of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture; researchers and all members of the Indian delegation.
At the seminar, the participants of both sides contributed in-depth discussions of the origin of Cham culture, the influence of Indian culture and belief and religion in Vietnam, and the development of Vietnam – India relationship from the 7th Century so far. Mr. Tripathi said Indian culture, belief and religion had come to Vietnam in a peaceful manner and had been absorbed naturally and spontaneously. The Vietnam – India relationship had also derived and developed on that basis, and would be forever friendship and cooperation relationship. In this connection, it was neccessary to develop and expand the relationship in all fields of politics, economics, science and technology, education and training, etc.
Also on October 23rd, the Indian delegation had a meeting with DAFO. The two sides made introductions of activities of friendship and solidarity conducted in recent years. The two sides agreed to have more activities to enhance mutual understanding and solidarity between the two peoples.
On October 24th, the Indian delegation would pay a working visit to the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Peace Committee in Da Nang.
In the evening of October 24th, DAFO would hold a Cultural Exchange at Nguyen Hien Dinh “Tuong” Theatre.
Duc Minh AP
