During the official visit to Vietnam from February 25 to 28, 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand had the opportunity to explore Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám on February 27 alongside his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính.
The visit to this revered site marked not just cultural exploration but also reinforced the shared commitment between the two nations to prioritize education. Both leaders took time to admire key features of Văn Miếu, including the Đại Trung Môn, Khuê Văn Các, the Đại Thành Palace, and the famed stone tablets inscribed with the names of scholars.
Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám, recognized as Vietnam's first university founded nearly 1,000 years ago, plays a significant role as the custodian of Vietnam’s educational heritage. Prime Minister Chính emphasized the importance of academic respect and enlightenment within Vietnamese culture, stating, "The Vietnamese tradition of valuing education and respect for teachers is significant." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Luxon expressed his admiration for this cultural legacy, noting, "I admire the cultural and educational heritage of Vietnam."
Adding to the atmosphere, both Prime Ministers enjoyed listening to traditional Quan họ folk music, which is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This experience highlighted the rich traditions and artistic expressions of Vietnam.
During the visit, Prime Minister Chính presented the historical significance of Văn Miếu, detailing how it symbolizes Vietnam’s dedication to learning. "Nowadays, our government emphasizes education and training as our top national policy," he remarked, reflecting the Vietnamese dedication to educational advancement.
The meeting also set the tone for future bilateral educational cooperation. Recently, New Zealand and Vietnam signed the Strategic Cooperation Plan for Education for the period 2023-2026, aiming to advance educational ties by enhancing knowledge exchange and support.
New Zealand has been instrumental in Vietnam's educational development, providing 30 scholarship positions annually for master’s and doctoral programs, alongside maintaining English training programs for Vietnamese officials. Since 1992, over 600 Vietnamese officials have benefitted from training programs and scholarships provided by the New Zealand government.
Prime Minister Luxon announced during the visit the introduction of additional educational opportunities, including 45 high school scholarships, 14 undergraduate scholarships, and 39 scholarships for master's and doctoral studies aimed at Vietnamese scholars. This commitment to educational collaboration signifies the depth of the relationship between the two nations.
The two leaders’ discussions focused on leveraging educational partnerships as foundational pillars for the future, where both countries exchanged insights on improving educational frameworks and programs.
The day concluded with both Prime Ministers recognizing the historical bonds forged through education, reinforcing the notion of mutual respect and encouragement. The visit to Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám was more than merely tertiary; it epitomized the essence of sharing culture and educational philosophies.
This historic meeting has elevated the relationship between Vietnam and New Zealand, as they move forward to strengthen their strategic partnership. The commitment to education not only highlights the respect for cultural values but also indicates the importance both countries place on developing human capital for the future.