In his remarks, Vietnamese Consul-General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh said the festival was not only an occasion to promote cultural exchange and traditions, but also an opportunity to reflect on five decades of friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Thailand. He emphasised the shared aspiration to build prosperous, civilised and happy nations.
He noted that commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations was not merely a moment to take pride in past achievements, but also a milestone to open a new chapter, with younger generations of both countries writing the next 50 years of successful bilateral ties.
He expressed hope that UDRU would continue to be a key partner of the Vietnamese Consulate-General in promoting cooperation in education, cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.
Nattapong Khamwongpin, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani province, affirmed that the festival’s activities would help strengthen and nurture relations between the two countries. He called on UDRU to create more favourable conditions for students from both nations to learn about Vietnamese and Thai culture.
Meanwhile, Ho Van Lam, President of the Vietnamese Association in Thailand, stressed that the association would continue contributing to joint activities, including those involving the Thai community of Vietnamese origin.
He expressed hope that UDRU would further develop departments and specialisations dedicated to researching and preserving Vietnamese culture and language.
UDRU President Dr Kanisara Thanyasuntornsakul highlighted the university’s role as a hub of educational resources and a major academic centre with extensive research on Vietnamese culture and language.
She voiced her hope that cooperation among the Vietnamese Consulate-General in Khon Kaen, UDRU, the Vietnamese Association in Thailand, the Vietnamese Association in Udon Thani province and other partners would be further strengthened for the benefit of both countries.
At the ceremony, delegates enjoyed artistic performances celebrating Viet Nam–Thailand friendship over the past five decades, jointly presented by artists from both nations.
Key activities within the festival included the inauguration of the Viet Nam Library at the Viet Nam Studies Centre in Udon Thani Rajabhat University; a painting exhibition entitled “50 Years of Thailand–Viet Nam Relations”; a debating competition; and a quiz competition for students on Vietnamese language, society and culture.
