In spite of geographical distance, friendship and love for peace have mended the 4-century old relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands. Today, meetings and exchanges of paintings, films and literature have nurtured the friendship between the two nations.
Dutch people are proud of their cultural tradition with such famous painters as Rembrandt. Van Gogh and Mondriaan. With profound friendship for that nation, Vietnam has organized many exhibitions on Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondriaan as well as exhibitions of the World Press Photo - an organization based in the Netherlands- Hans Kemp (living in Vietnam), and Rienke Enghardt by Weather Report.
In December 1997, Vietnamese writers, poets, painters and scientists together with Dutch experts and business people met and discussed the land and culture of the Netherlands. The meeting organized by RICC (International Centre for Cultural Research) in Hanoi focused on culture, literature, economic relations and science of the Netherlands. In October 2007, the Netherlands Days were organized in Ho Chi Minh City with a symphony conducted by David Porcelijn and Ho Chi Minh orchestra. On the same occasion, Consulate General of the Netherlands presented the Ho Chi Minh City Orchestra with a drum, marimba and glockenspiel.
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands, Mr Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism headed a delegation to visit Trade Fair Pasar Malam Besar and Tong Tong festival organized in Maliven stadium, The Hague from May 21 to June 1. Vietnamese Art Troupe of 19 artists presented national dance and music together with traditional musical instruments such as Dan Bau (monocord), Nhi, Klongput and Highland dance.
At the trade fair, Vietnam introduces handicraft products, fine art articles and literature depicting Vietnamese land and people as well as tourism potentials. Such items as brocade, ceramics, embroidered articles were the most appreciated by visitors. Last May, the 51st Tong Tong festival was held in the Netherlands with the participation of Vietnamese art troupe to commemorate the Cultural Diplomacy Year 2009. Vietnamese artists performed 20 items in different places. The Tong Tong festival is organized annually since 1958 in the Netherlands to introduce the culture of Indies-Eurasia nationalities and cultural exchanges between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
In 1997 a Vietnamese painting exhibition was held in The Hague including art works of Buddhist Monk Vien Thuc of Da Lat and young artist Nguyen Minh Thanh. In 1999, Vietnam and the Netherlands co-sponsored a film festival in Vietnam. Meanwhile Amsterdam Tropical Institute cooperates with Vietnam Nationalities Museum (Hanoi) and Cham Museum (Da Nang) on preservation of Vietnamese culture.
For his part, Dutch historian John G.Kleinen wrote a book “Lion and Dragon” on the 40-year relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands. Mr. Kleinen said that Lion is the symbol of the Netherlands while the Dragon is the symbol of Vietnam. Vietnam is truly a dragon emerging in Asia.
Hoai Pho
Vietnamese
