Delegates travel to Huong Pagoda on Yen Stream.
On March 21, more than 400 delegates, including ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of international organizations and Vietnam, attended the Friendship Spring Program 2026 at the Huong Son Special National Relic Site.
Organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations in coordination with the Hanoi Department of Tourism and Huong Son Commune, the program aimed to introduce Vietnam's cultural values to foreign residents and create opportunities for exchange and mutual understanding.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, highlighted that Thang Long – Hanoi, with its thousand-year history, represents a continuous cultural flow through different historical periods.
Today, Hanoi stands out as the political and administrative center of the country and a major hub for economic, cultural, educational and international integration, guided by the vision of "Culture – Civilization – Modernity – Happiness."
The delegation at Thien Tru Pagoda.
Ky expressed hope that the program would offer international guests meaningful experiences of spiritual culture, scenic landscapes and the hospitality of Hanoi's people.
He also emphasized that the event opens opportunities for cooperation and development in Huong Son Commune and Hanoi's tourism sector.
The Huong Son complex is a vast spiritual and scenic site, with Huong Tich Cave known as "the most beautiful cave in the southern sky". Authorities plan to submit a dossier to UNESCO to recognize the site as a world cultural and natural heritage by 2030.
On this occasion, Ky expressed his desire for continued support from international partners in building and developing Hanoi sustainably, contributing to Vietnam's global integration and enhancing its international standing.
Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, speaks at the event.
Ambassador Saadi Salama of Palestine, Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, shared his appreciation for the program, noting it has become a meaningful annual event promoting cultural exchange and strengthening international friendship.
He described Huong Son as a famous destination known for its peaceful, poetic natural beauty and rich spiritual values, attracting thousands of visitors and pilgrims during the annual festival season.
With the majestic mountains combined with the gentle Yen Stream, Saadi Salama expressed confidence that delegates had memorable experiences, especially the boat journey along Yen Stream, immersed in a tranquil and poetic environment that reflects Vietnam's cultural identity
He thanked Hanoi authorities, organizers and local agencies for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements.
Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi of Morocco also shared his impressions, highlighting three outstanding values of Huong Pagoda.
First is its natural beauty, with harmonious mountains and waterways creating a rare sense of tranquility.
Ambassador Saadi Salama of Palestine, Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, speaks at the event.
Second is its historical depth, with origins dating back to the 15th century, reflecting Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.
Finally, he emphasized the site's spiritual significance, as a major pilgrimage destination attracting millions of visitors seeking faith and reverence.
Although not a Buddhist, Jamale Chouaibi said he could clearly feel the serenity and sacred atmosphere of the site, as he expressed sincere appreciation to the organizers and local authorities for their warm and attentive reception.