The Vietnam Days Abroad 2023 program will be held in South Africa, France and Japan, promoting the country and people of Vietnam on three continents, according to the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a press conference held in Hanoi on September 8.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Africa, the 50th of Vietnam-France and Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, the program will feature a series of activities that will contribute to strengthening the friendship between countries and promoting Vietnam worldwide.

Along with the political agenda, Vietnam Days Abroad 2023 program also includes various economic forums and seminars, art performances and cultural interactions. Among them, Vietnam Cultural Space with the theme "Origin, Vitality and Posterity" stands out.

Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs, speaks at the press conference.

"Vietnam Days Abroad consists of political, cultural and economic activities. This year, the organizing committee has tailored the program to each country. The program aims to present a culturally rich and dynamic Vietnam to friends in South Africa - where we can further promote cultural exchanges - and Japan, France - the two nations that have some similarities with Vietnam," said Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs.

Meanwhile, the performances at the event tell a story called "Colors of Vietnam," which is made up of artworks from the north to the south of Vietnam, according to Yen Nguyen, director of Dong Do Performance and Event Services, who added: "These 'colors' take on new nuances depending on the areas of the country, presented in the form of intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO. They represent either a serene atmosphere in the North or a hectic lifestyle in the South".

The artisan Dang Dinh Thuong will introduce the traditional toys of Vietnam to people abroad.

This year, Vietnam Cultural Space gathers many artisans and young cultural practitioners and consists of cultural interactive activities such as making lacquer or traditional Dong Ho paintings, creating to he (Vietnamese traditional toy figurines), trying on Nguyen Dynasty costumes, or exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

There will also be exhibitions on Vietnam's diplomatic relations with countries, UNESCO heritage sites, and Vietnamese landscapes and people.

Vietnam Days Abroad 2023 will kick off in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, on September 14-15. The event will mark the first time Vietnam Days Abroad has been held in Africa, and will include a Vietnam Cultural Space and art performances to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

After South Africa, France and Japan will be the next destinations of Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 in November and December this year.

With many innovations, Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 will create a distinctive demonstration of traditional Vietnamese culture, which is developing strongly with youthfulness and modernity.

Vietnam Days Abroad is a national promotional event organized annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010, commissioned by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Since then, it has always enjoyed the enthusiastic participation of Vietnamese localities, businesses, organizations, and the overseas Vietnamese community.