Addressing the opening ceremony, State President Truong Tan Sang affirmed the key role of national unity in helping Vietnam overcome difficulties and challenges and successfully implement the process of industrialization and modernization, national construction and defence and international integration.

He stressed the need to strengthen the bloc of great national unity and protect the legitimate rights of all citizens, with a focus on improving living standards for ethnic minority groups, both materially and spiritually. It is also essential to preserve and uphold the cultural values of all ethnic groups and promote solidarity among them, he said.

During the week entitled “Great National Solidarity - Vietnam Cultural Heritage”, there are many cultural events, such as music and dance performances by 300 artists from 54 ethnic groups, a wood sculpture camp, cultural exchanges, traditional crafts village introductions, history lectures, and a cow racing.

The event involves 400 representatives from 17 ethnic minority groups of 13 provinces and cities namely Son La, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, and An Giang.