General Secretary, president enjoys tea with South Korean president

The South Korean president and first lady visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel, attending a special friendship program hosted by General Secretary, President To Lam and first lady.

General Secretary, President To Lam and First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly this morning hosted a special friendship program at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The event occurred during the state visit to Vietnam by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hye Kyung.

The program, themed "Thang Long: A thousand years of spiritual essence, profound cultural depth", honored Thang Long - Hanoi's rich history and cultural identity. It conveyed a message of enduring tradition, the harmonious blend of past and present, and the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and global partners.

General Secretary, President To Lam and his wife, alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife, took a group photo in front of Doan Mon.

The delegation also toured the exhibition "A thousand years of Thang Long - Hanoi history from the underground" and the "Treasures of Thang Long Imperial Palace" exhibition.

General Secretary, President To Lam conversed with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

The two leaders and their wives enjoyed tea and watched a traditional art performance.

The program began with a Hat Xoan performance, an ancient art form originating from the Phu Tho region, linked to the worship of the Hung Kings, Vietnam's first monarchs.

This was followed by Nha Nhac, Vietnamese court music that developed over many feudal dynasties.

UNESCO included Hat Xoan in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011. In 2017, Hat Xoan was removed from this list and transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nha Nhac was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

The two first ladies enjoyed the art program.

The special friendship program at Thang Long Imperial Citadel demonstrated respect for Vietnam's historical values. It also introduced Vietnam's history and culture by recreating the atmosphere of ancient court diplomacy, reflecting the Vietnamese people's tradition of hospitality and peace.

General Secretary, President To Lam and his wife presented South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife with a photo album documenting their visit to Vietnam.