The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana, arrived in Vietnam today to strengthen cultural relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Minister Xingwana is accompanied by Mr Vusi Ndima, the Acting Deputy Director-General of Heritage Promotion in the Department of Arts and Culture.
Minister Xingwana first met the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Hoang Tuan Anh, in July 2010 in South Africa and agreed to discuss cooperation in the field of culture. Subsequently the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited Minister Xingwana and a South African musical group to attend the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the city of Hanoi. There will also be a performance by the Drummer Group - Soweto Marimba Kidz - at the Cong Nhan Theatre tonight.
Minister Xingwana will also hold bilateral discussions with her Vietnamese counterpart. Under consideration is an executive program for cultural cooperation between the two countries for the period 2011 – 2014. The proposed areas of cooperation are: major cultural events and exhibitions, protection for cultural heritage; copyright and related rights; music; ballet; drama; books; state libraries and archives; publishing and copyright and related rights protection.
This proposed program seeks to strengthen and enhance cultural relations based on mutual respect and benefit. “We look forward to strengthening cultural ties with Vietnam. In this way we shall also play our part in reinforcing and enriching South-South relations”, said Minister Xingwana.
Enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Tel: 012 441 3083
