“A touch of Belgium” celebrates Vietnam-Belgium bonds
Belgian culture will be brought closer to Hanoians through the event “A Touch of Belgium” to be held by the Belgian Embassy at the Ly Thai To Statue Garden on May 12 to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Eleven members of the Brussels-based Majoretteketet will perform some of their most well-known parades during the “A Touch of Belgium”(Photo: Belgian Embassy)
Hanoi (VNA) – Belgian culture will be brought closer to Hanoiansthrough the event “A Touch of Belgium” to be held by the Belgian Embassy at theLy Thai To Statue Garden on May 12 to mark the 45th anniversary ofdiplomatic relations between the two countries.
An array of cultural activities will take place at the event.
Eleven members of the Brussels-basedMajoretteketet will perform some of their most well-known parades three timesaround Hoan Kiem Lake from 2pm to 4pm. They will also have performances onstage from 5.15pm to 6pm with the Pinky Cheerleading Squad of Vietnamesestudents from Foreign Trade University and Hanoi Be Singer Club.
Majorettes are dancers whose performancebalances between dance and street theatre. Their choreographed dances are shownin public spaces and use influences of folk dancing, accompanied by a marchingband.
Coming to the event, people will be greeted bythe beloved Smurfs – who are celebrating their 60th birthday this year. TheSmurfs were created by the Belgian illustrator Pierre Culliford in 1958, andhave since conquered the world of animation.
During the event three classic Smurf cartoonswill be screened in English with Vietnamese subtitles from 2pm to 4pm on themain stage. Other Smurf-related activities like colouring and drawing will takeplace.
The Smurf’s presence is being organised in collaboration withWallonie-Bruxelles International, who are simultaneously hosting the HeritageExhibition on The Smurfs at the Imperial Citadel, on 19 Hoang Dieu Street.
The Hanoi Brass Band will perform from 6pm to 6.30pm, followed by a 20-minuteperformance called Exploring Connections, executed by talented Belgiandancer and choreographer Nick Coutsier, together with dancers of Hanoi-basedKinergie Studio.
Activities for children such as gardening, artand crafts will be offered at the event.
Belgian treats will also be available, includingcrispy fries, sweet chocolate, fluffy waffles coupled with ice-cream,refreshments and ice cold beer which any Belgian cultural undertaking would notbe complete without.-VNA
Belgian businesses and localities are expected to boost cooperation with Hanoi in healthcare, cultural heritage preservation, and environment, according to a city official.
Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held a political consultation with Secretary General of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs of Belgium Dirk Achten.
Nguyen Thu Quynh, a fourth-year student in the graphic design department of Hanoi-based University of Industrial Fine Arts, has won the design contest for a logo to celebrate 45 years of Vietnam-Belgium diplomatic relations.
Vietnam- Belgium relations have flourished in many fields in recent years, notably economy. Among EU countries, Belgium is Vietnam’s biggest importer and 7th biggest exporter.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Eleven members of the Brussels-based Majoretteketet will perform some of their most well-known parades during the “A Touch of Belgium”(Photo: Belgian Embassy) 
