Hanoi, November 29, 2024 – The Europe Today: Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneat Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by State President Lương Cường, toured the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature) in Hanoi on Friday as part of his state visit to Vietnam. The two leaders shared a moment of cultural exchange over Vietnam’s traditional tea at the historic site.
President Cường introduced the King to the Temple of Literature’s historical and cultural significance. As Vietnam’s first university, the site symbolizes Hanoi’s thousand-year-old heritage and is home to 82 stone stelae of doctoral laureates, recognized by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage. President Cường noted that the site had also hosted King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Monineath during their 1995 state visit to Vietnam, emphasizing the continuity of deep ties between the two nations.
The Vietnamese leader also shared insights into the art of tea drinking, an integral part of Vietnam’s cultural identity. He expressed his pleasure at the stable growth in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, underpinned by increasing trust and strong connections between their leaders and citizens.
President Cường conveyed his belief that King Norodom Sihamoni, in his esteemed role, will continue to foster this enduring partnership. He called on the King to support educational efforts to instill the values of solidarity and shared sacrifices between the two nations, particularly among younger generations, while advancing their comprehensive friendship.
Earlier in the day, King Sihamoni, alongside Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn, visited Quán Sứ Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most sacred and ancient Buddhist sites.
The Cambodian King’s visit underscores the shared cultural and historical ties between Vietnam and Cambodia and reinforces their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
