New Zealand Prime Minister visits Temple of Literature, listens to Quan Ho, chews betel and plays Dan Bau

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited and listened to an introduction to Dai Trung Mon, Khue Van Cac, Dai Thanh Palace, Doctoral Steles, and Chu Van The Su Bieu...

The two Prime Ministers enjoyed Quan Ho singing, a folk song recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the history of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam. In particular, the Prime Minister highlighted the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers of the Vietnamese people; and said that today, the Party and State of Vietnam always identify education and training as the top national policy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his admiration for Vietnam's culture and education, in which the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is the place to preserve, honor philosophy, and most uniquely preserve and demonstrate outstanding values.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the history of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

New Zealand continues to grant 30 scholarships/year for masters and doctoral training programs, and maintains an English training program for Vietnamese civil servants. Since 1992, more than 600 Vietnamese resource officials have been trained in English and professional skills in New Zealand; more than 600 secondary school, masters and doctoral scholarships from the New Zealand Government have been awarded to Vietnamese students.

New Zealand Prime Minister beats thunder drums

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

The two Prime Ministers visited ancient architectural works in the Temple of Literature.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

The two Prime Ministers viewed Nguyen Thanh Tung's random calligraphy of the words "Success" and "Prosperity". Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to the art of Vietnamese calligraphy.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the phoenix-shaped betel leaf and how to chew it. The New Zealand Prime Minister then tried it and the two Prime Ministers enjoyed Quan Ho melodies.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH