Cultural Diplomacy: Elevating the Stature of the Ancestral Land

As one of the three pillars of Vietnam’s comprehensive diplomacy, cultural diplomacy is considered a vital field in foreign policy, implemented extensively at various levels and regions nationwide. Implementing the State and Party’s strategy, Phu Tho has deployed synchronous and flexible solutions tailored to practical conditions. By leveraging the potential of “soft power,” the province has transformed these assets into an endogenous strength, significantly contributing to elevating its position and fostering socio-economic development.

Overseas Vietnamese visit and offer incense at the Hung Kings’ Temple Historic Site.

Focusing on the implementation of Decision No. 2013/QD-TTg dated November 30, 2021, by the Prime Minister regarding the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030, the People’s Committees of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh (formerly) promptly issued plans and directed local agencies to execute them. Following the administrative merger, the Provincial People’s Committee assigned the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead and coordinate with other sectors to build a Cultural Diplomacy Strategy for Phu Tho that meets the requirements of the new era.

During implementation, the province focused on breakthrough solutions suited to local realities. Specialized agencies advised the province on perfecting a comprehensive and synchronous system of mechanisms and policies, aligned with national laws and the Party’s foreign policy. The province has effectively implemented friendship cooperation agreements with international partners. As of July 1, 2025, Phu Tho maintained friendly relations with 19 foreign localities from countries such as Laos, China, Cuba, South Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Italy, and more. Notably, between 2021 and 2025, the province signed cooperation agreements with four foreign localities, including European partners (Italy and Bulgaria), despite cultural differences. These agreements focus on culture, science, and education to attract resources and create momentum for development.

Cultural diplomacy activities are closely integrated with socio-economic development plans, political diplomacy, and economic diplomacy. Connecting cultural diplomacy with local citizens, businesses, and the Vietnamese diaspora has effectively introduced and promoted cultural values and investment potential.

The province has enhanced the quality of traditional festivals and created unique cultural publications targeting foreign partners. It continues to preserve and promote two UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritages: “Phu Tho Xoan Singing” and the "Hung Kings’ Worship Belief.“Additionally, the province leverages the status of the Hung Kings’ Temple as a National Tourist Area, aims to develop Viet Tri into a”Festival City of Vietnam’s Ancestral Roots,“and promotes Tam Dao Town—voted”World’s Leading Regional Nature Destination" (2022 and 2024)—alongside other unique landmarks. Image and cultural promotion are actively integrated into economic diplomacy, trade fairs, and investment promotion programs.

Furthermore, cultural diplomacy is linked with work related to overseas Vietnamese, encouraging the diaspora, especially those from Phu Tho, to look toward their homeland. The province creates conditions for the diaspora to access cultural information and products to preserve Vietnamese identity abroad while acting as ambassadors to introduce Phu Tho’s people and culture to international friends. Annually, the province coordinates with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese to organize programs welcoming diaspora groups to offer incense to the Hung Kings.

International tourists experience wrapping “Banh Chung” at the ancient Hung Lo Communal House.

Mr. Nguyen Dac Thuy – Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, affirmed: "The Cultural Diplomacy Strategy is being implemented effectively. It is becoming an essential endogenous strength for development and international integration." Through these tasks, cultural exchanges are organized regularly, strengthening friendships and bringing Phu Tho’s relationships with foreign partners into a deeper, more stable, and sustainable phase. These activities support citizens and businesses in international integration, allowing people to absorb the cultural quintessence of humanity to enrich traditional local values.

In protecting national interests and enhancing international standing, cultural diplomacy is proving its strong, effective, and practical resonance. The 1st Provincial Party Congress (2025-2030) identified the goal: "Build a clean and strong Party and political system; promote the strength of unity and the cultural traditions of the Ancestral Land; be pioneers in innovation, creativity, and digital transformation; create breakthroughs for fast and sustainable development... as the nation enters a new era of rising up." This opens a new journey for Phu Tho to become a hub that converges and radiates unique cultural values.

Cao Khoi