The 3rd Lecture of ASEAN Ambassadors Lecture Series (Viet Nam) Held at Beijing Foreign Studies University

The ASEAN Ambassadors Lecture Series is an ongoing program organized by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) to boost public awareness about ASEAN Member States in China and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between ASEAN and China, especially among the young generation. During the past years, two lectures by the Indonesian and Malaysian Ambassadors were successfully held at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).

On 12 March 2014, the 3rd lecture of ASEAN Ambassadors Lecture Series (Viet Nam), co-organized by ACC and BFSU, was successfully held at the Academic Lecture Hall of the Library of BFSU. H.E. Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to China, delivered a key- note speech on "Viet Nam-China Relations and Regional Cooperation".

ACC Secretary-General Mr. Ma Mingqiang, BFSU Vice President Mr. Yan Guohua, Ambassador of the Philippines to China, H.E. Mrs. Erlinda F. Basilio, representatives from the Embassies of Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam in Beijing, Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC, and over 120 faculties and students from BFSU attended the lecture. This event was widely covered by major Chinese and Vietnamese media agencies.

ACC Secretary-General Mr. Ma Mingqiang made brief remarks prior to the lecture. He expressed that the Chinese new leadership has, on many occasions, emphasized that ASEAN is the priority of China’s relations with neighboring countries. Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, ASEAN- China trade volume reached 443.6 billion USD in 2013, and two-way personnel exchange exceeded 18 million. Secretary- General Ma highlighted ACC’s activities in cooperation with Viet Nam, including CCTV Documentary on Taste and Discovery Viet Nam, a Chinese cultural performance trip to Viet Nam, My ASEAN-China Multi-media Exhibition of Charming Viet Nam and ASEAN Film Week where the film Chơi Vơi (Adrift) from Viet Nam was well received. Secretary-General Ma emphasized that ACC will remain dedicated to promoting mutual trust, friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and China. He expected the young generation to contribute to Viet Nam-China relations and ASEAN-China cooperation.

H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Van Tho of Viet Nam was greeted by BFSU President Mr. Peng Long on his arrival at the library hall of BFSU. H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Van Tho met with BFSU Vice President Mr. Yan Guohua, discussing cooperation between BFSU and Viet Nam. After the lecture, H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Van Tho also received an exclusive interview by China Radio International (CRI), as a part of “Voice of ASEAN” High-end Dialogues with ASEAN VIPs project of ACC.