Minister Nguyen Van Hung received by Meenakashi Lekhi.

At the working session, two ministers acknowledged the unique history and friendly relationship between India and Vietnam, and reiterated their commitments to deepening and strengthening this relationship.

The two countries are long-standing traditional friends. The great leaders of the two peoples - President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru - laid the foundation for the traditional friendship between Vietnam and India. This relationship has continued to be nurtured and encouraged by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. Since the diplomatic relationship was established in 1972, the relationship between the two countries has been increasingly expanded and enhanced, becoming a comprehensive strategic partnership with strong development in politics, economy, culture, people-to-people exchange.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung suggested the two sides work together to effectively organise "Vietnamese Culture Week in India" and "Indian Culture Week in Vietnam" on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations in 2022; and should strengthen cooperation in the field of archaeology, restoration and preservation of cultural heritages as well as in the field of cinema.

Vietnam is ready to welcome Bollywood filmmakers to film at famous scenic spots. Minister Nguyen Van Hung also suggested the two sides consider organising more tourism promotion seminars and cultural investment and association projects.

Meenakashi Lekhi said that India has a lot of knowledge, skills, and experts in conservation and embellishment of cultural heritages and museums. India is ready to support Vietnam in these areas. Right at the beginning of 2022, a delegation of Indian experts would go to Vietnam to survey committed archaeological projects, she added.

Meenakashi Lekhi agreed with Minister Nguyen Van Hung on the organisation of art and culture programmes in the two countries on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and also the 75th anniversary of India's Independence Day.

Welcoming the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Protocol on the cultural exchange for the period 2022-2025, she said that she is actively completing internal procedures for early signing, serving as the basis for implementing activities in 2022 with many meaningful events.