Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama: Fostering Diplomacy Through Culture

What role does today’s gathering play in enhancing mutual understanding, solidarity, and information exchange among ambassadors and foreign embassies in Hanoi?

First of all, as the Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, Ambassador of Palestine, and a long-time friend of Vietnam, I am incredibly proud to host today’s event.
 

This luncheon is specifically designed for ambassadors, especially those who have recently assumed their duties in Vietnam. The primary goal we aim to convey today is to introduce Vietnam’s culture through its cuisine, traditional attire, and distinctive cultural values.

With the enthusiastic support of designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam, the ambassadors will have the opportunity to admire Ao Dai that reflect the unique cultural identities of each participating nation. I believe this will not only help the ambassadors gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam but also contribute to fostering friendship, cooperation, and development among nations.

As the Head of the Diplomatic Corps, I always aspire to make a small contribution to promoting Vietnamese culture to international friends. Today’s event is more than just a simple luncheon, it is a meaningful occasion for connection and outreach, particularly for new diplomats to better understand Vietnam’s land and people.

I firmly believe that this serves as an important bridge to strengthen collaborative relationships between Vietnam and other countries in the future.

Today’s event includes the participation of Vietnamese ethnic artists. In your opinion, what role does traditional music play in connecting nations and building peace?

To me, music is the universal language of humanity. Therefore, today’s event provides an excellent opportunity for ambassadors to become familiar with Vietnam’s ethnic musical instruments and melodies. It is not only a chance to enjoy art but also an occasion to explore and gain deeper insight into the traditional music of a country I have been connected with for more than 20 years.

Moreover, I believe Vietnam has achieved significant success in preserving and promoting its ethnic art forms on the global stage. Notably, several traditional music genres from Vietnam have been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the power of art to connect people.

Today, ambassadors get to experience and learn more about the melodies and instruments that the Vietnamese people have preserved and used over generations. I am confident that cultural exchanges through music not only enhance understanding but also play a vital role in fostering peace and friendship among nations.

As someone with extensive diplomatic experience, can you share some challenges and opportunities in promoting cultural exchanges between Vietnam and other countries in the future?

Culture is an indispensable factor in the sustainable development of any nation. A nation without its own cultural identity struggles to endure over time. Therefore, I firmly believe that accompanying and introducing Vietnamese culture to international friends is a meaningful and essential mission.

For me, culture is an immensely appealing domain that plays a crucial role in advancing relations among nations worldwide. Vietnamese culture, in particular, will continue to attract the interest of those who wish to learn about and explore the story of a nation that has affirmed its position through remarkable victories and achievements in preserving and building the country.