Deputy Prime Minister meets Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre
VGP - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo in Ha Noi on May 19.
Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) presents insignia "For the Cause of Viet Nam's Diplomacy" to Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Ha Noi, May 19, 2025 - Photo: VGP
Bui appreciated Lazare's great efforts to help Viet Nam preserve and promote heritages, and expressed his delight at the outcomes of cooperation between the two sides since Lazare's first visit to the country in 2023.
Viet Nam is focusing on four strategic breakthroughs, identifying the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers for the country's modernization, international integration, and rapid, sustainable socio-economic development, which aligns with UNESCO's orientation of integrating science and culture into global development strategies, noted Bui.
The host expressed his hope that the UNESCO World Heritage Center, especially Lazare, will continue to support Viet Nam in ensuring a harmonious balance between preservation and development of world heritage sites, particularly Kinh Thien Palace and its surrounding space within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel heritage site in Ha Noi, and seeking recognition for the Complex of Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem –Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscapes as a UNESCO world heritage site in next July.
For his part, Lazare said that he was impressed by the positive changes in Viet Nam over the past two years, especially in terms of urban development integrated with heritage preservation.
He welcomed the initiative to organize the upcoming international conference themed "Safeguarding and promoting world heritage: A community-based approach for sustainable development" on May 21, considering it a clear testament to Viet Nam's efforts in balancing heritage preservation with sustainable development.
Viet Nam is a trusted partner that consistently carries out UNESCO's technical recommendations effectively, told Lazare.
He expressed his pleasure that the proposals he made during his visit two years ago have been successfully implemented, demonstrating Viet Nam's strong commitment and close partnership between the two sides in safeguarding the shared heritage of humanity.
The guest reiterated that the UNESCO World Heritage Centre will continue to accompany and support Viet Nam in the preservation and promotion of its world heritage sites.
Lazare vowed to provide ongoing advice and assistance in the management, conservation, and enhancement of Viet Nam's eight World Heritage sites and have positive outlook on reviewing the nation's new nomination dossiers.
The occasion, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bui bestowed the insignia "For the Cause of Viet Nam's Diplomacy" on Lazare in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of the nation's heritage and strengthening the relationship between Viet Nam and UNESCO.
The same day, the UNESCO official had a meeting with Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, during which both sides discussed issues related to improving professional capacity in heritage conservation, strengthening the role of local communities in protecting and benefiting from heritage, promoting the sharing of international knowledge and experience in heritage governance, as well as expanding Viet Nam's role, voice, and presence in global mechanisms and forums on heritage conservation and sustainable development led by UNESCO./.
