Islamabad, April 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan, H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, paid an official visit to the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) today and held a meeting with the Chairperson of the Academy, Dr. Najiba Arif. The Vietnamese delegation included First Secretary Mr. Truong Van Thang and Second Secretary Mr. Pham Hong Quang. From PAL, Executive Director and Chief Editor Mr. Muhammad Asim Butt was also present during the meeting.
The two sides discussed avenues for deepening literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Vietnam. The meeting underscored the significance of a bilateral agreement signed last year between the Pakistan Academy of Letters and the Vietnam Writers’ Association to promote collaboration in literature and culture. The agreement aims to facilitate mutual delegation exchanges, translation of literary works, and institutional partnerships.
As part of this cooperation, the Academy will publish an Urdu translation of selected poetry by Vietnam’s revered leader and poet, Ho Chi Minh. In return, the Vietnam Writers’ Association will publish Vietnamese translations of selected poetry and stories by notable Pakistani authors.
Chairperson Dr. Najiba Arif briefed the distinguished guests on PAL’s current and upcoming literary projects. Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan also shared insights into the growing interest in Urdu language and literature in Vietnam, describing the trend as highly encouraging.
Both Dr. Arif and Ambassador Tuan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening literary exchanges and cultural relations between the two nations.
Following the meeting, the Vietnamese Ambassador toured the Aiwan-e-Aiwān-e-A’laaz (Hall of Honour) and the Museum of Literary Heritage of Pakistani Languages at the Academy. He expressed keen interest in the exhibits and praised the displays that highlight the works and contributions of Pakistan’s literary giants. The Ambassador described the literary museum as a significant initiative by the Academy to preserve the rare literary heritage of Pakistani languages.
Chairperson Dr. Najiba Arif extended her gratitude to Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, First Secretary Mr. Truong Van Thang, and Second Secretary Mr. Pham Hong Quang for their visit. She also presented them with a set of publications by the Academy as a token of appreciation.
