Young Colombian dancers perform at the artistic exchange. — VNA/VNS Photo

ĐÀ NẴNG — An artistic exchange between a Colombian youth dance troupe and local teenagers took place in Hội An, the central coastal city of Đà Nẵng, on September 16.

Co-organised by the Embassy of Colombia, the Đà Nẵng Department of Foreign Affairs, the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Hội An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Centre, the programme contributed to strengthening cultural exchanges, connecting young people and promoting friendship between the two countries.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Nguyễn Thị Thùy Trang, Deputy Director of the Đà Nẵng Department of Foreign Affairs, said the event was initiated following a proposal by Colombian Ambassador to Việt Nam Camila María Polo Flórez during her visit and working trip to the city in March.

According to Trang, Đà Nẵng is a young, dynamic and open locality that welcomes international friends, while also boasting a rich cultural heritage shaped over centuries. Hội An, in particular, was once a place where different cultures met and traded. The meeting and exchange between Colombian and Đà Nẵng teenagers in the heritage setting helps foster mutual understanding and friendship between the two sides.

Speaking at the programme, Colombian Ambassador to Việt Nam Camila María Polo Flórez said that when the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected Việt Nam as one of the priority countries under the 15th cultural and sports diplomacy programme, she wanted to bring part of Colombia's cultural heritage there, including Hội An.

The diplomat noted that despite the geographical distance, Việt Nam and Colombia both attach importance to preserving traditions, heritage and national identity. The young Colombian dancers brought to Đà Nẵng performances of traditional art forms Bambuco and Sanjuanero recognised as part of the country's intangible cultural heritage.

As part of their programme in Đà Nẵng, the young Colombian dancers also took part in exchanges with the Hội An International School and Hy Vọng School, and gave an artistic performance at Bà Nà Hills.

According to the Colombian ambassador, the troupe faced considerable logistical and financial challenges in travelling to Việt Nam. However, the young participants' enthusiasm, positive energy and experiences in the country showed that the efforts had been worthwhile.

The ambassador stressed that the dancers came to Việt Nam as Colombia's “young cultural ambassadors” and would return home with experiences of the Southeast Asian nation and its people, thereby becoming bridges helping to enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

Việt Nam and Colombia established diplomatic relations in January 1979. The two countries have continued to promote cooperation across various fields, including culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. — VNA/VNS