Vietnamese, New Zealand Prime Ministers Visit Hanoi’s Temple of Literature
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, visited the Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature Complex) in Hanoi on Thursday as part of Luxon’s official visit to Vietnam.
The two leaders toured key historical sites within the complex, including Đại Trung Môn (Great Middle Gate), Khuê Văn Các (Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature), the doctoral steles, and the statue of Chu Văn An, a revered Vietnamese scholar. They also attended a performance of quan họ, a traditional folk singing style recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Prime Minister Chính provided an overview of the Temple of Literature’s history, highlighting its establishment nearly 1,000 years ago as Vietnam’s first university. He emphasized the country’s deep-rooted respect for education and teachers, underscoring the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government’s continued prioritization of education and training.
Prime Minister Luxon expressed admiration for Việt Nam’s rich cultural and educational heritage, describing the Temple of Literature as a profound symbol of learning and academic excellence.
Education and training have remained a central pillar of the Vietnam – New Zealand relationship. The two countries have signed the Education Engagement Arrangement for 2023-2026, under which New Zealand provides 30 scholarships annually for master’s and doctoral programs, along with English language training for Vietnamese officials. Since 1992, over 600 Vietnamese officials have received professional training in New Zealand, and more than 600 scholarships have been awarded to Vietnamese students.
During Luxon’s visit, Vietnam and New Zealand officially upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and training.
At the EduConnect education event held on February 26 at Foreign Trade University, Prime Minister Luxon announced the allocation of 98 scholarships for Vietnamese students and researchers, further reinforcing New Zealand’s support for Vietnam’s educational development.
