Vietnam Embraces Cultural Ties With Poland Through Language Education

The growing prominence of the Vietnamese language in Poland is indicative of deeper cultural ties and collaborations between Vietnam and its European partners. On March 24, 2025, during a significant meeting in Hanoi, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense emphasized its commitment to fostering international relationships through educational initiatives, particularly in language acquisition.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoàng Xuân Chiến, co-chairing discussions with Polish Deputy Minister of Defense Pawel Bejda, outlined Vietnam's readiness to receive Polish soldiers for Vietnamese language studies at the Military Science Academy. This move highlights a progressive step towards enhancing military cooperation and understanding between the two countries. “We are ready to receive Polish soldiers to study Vietnamese,” stated General Chiến, signifying a welcoming attitude toward international military collaboration.

The context of this initiative lies within a broader strategy where Vietnam seeks to diversify its foreign relationships while fostering closer military ties across Southeast Asia and beyond. During the meeting, discussions also centered around the historical bilateral defense cooperation agreement established in 2010, with both officials reflecting on the positive outcomes of previous collaborations in peacekeeping and high-level exchanges.

A significant aspect of the discussions was Vietnam's “four no's” defense policy: no military alliances, no foreign military bases on Vietnamese soil, no involvement in conflicts among other countries, and no use of force or threat to use force. This policy aligns with a peaceful approach towards international relations while ensuring national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following the defense discussions, attention shifted towards the Vietnamese language's burgeoning role as a significant cultural asset, particularly in Thailand. Recent reports indicate that the Vietnamese language is quickly gaining traction as a popular foreign language in Thai educational institutions. This situation not only demonstrates the rich cultural exchange occurring between the two nations but also presents opportunities for mutual understanding and strengthened ties.

Moreover, the upcoming celebration of Vietnamese language and culture, spearheaded by officials such as Nguyễn Mạnh Đông of the State Committee on Overseas Vietnamese, reflects an effort to promote Vietnamese heritage beyond national borders. “These activities will enhance the connection between overseas Vietnamese and the homeland,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride and language preservation.

The Day of Honoring Vietnamese Language and the Search for Vietnamese Language Ambassadors in 2025 will be held on March 29 in Hanoi, an event designed to further celebrate this aspect of Vietnamese identity while recognizing the contributions of the Vietnamese diaspora. Activities planned in conjunction with this event aim to engage overseas Vietnamese, strengthening their ties to their roots while fostering a sense of community abroad.

As part of the initiative, events commemorating significant cultural festivals, such as the Hung Kings Temple Festival, are scheduled for April 3 and 4, where overseas Vietnamese will participate, paying homage to their heritage and history. These occasions are designed to reinforce the cultural bonds that unite individuals of Vietnamese descent worldwide.

Additionally, the State Committee on Overseas Vietnamese is coordinating humanitarian efforts, including a program that facilitates overseas Vietnamese visiting soldiers stationed on Truong Sa Island, thereby continuing the tradition of supporting those serving the nation. This will be accompanied by a cultural exchange program, enhancing collaboration and showcasing the resilience and dedication of the Vietnamese people amidst global challenges.

During their meeting, both General Chiến and Deputy Minister Bejda underscored the importance of empowering the defense cooperation frameworks, encouraging high-level exchanges to further mutual respect and understanding in terms of defense strategies. “Vietnam is an important partner in Southeast Asia,” said Bejda, reinforcing Poland's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, especially within the defense domain.

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense remains focused on improving training standards and educational opportunities for its military, as indicated by the preparations underway for the Polish soldiers' language training. This educational exchange is anticipated to lower barriers to effective communication within military cooperation, fostering a more synchronized approach to defense initiatives.

As 2025 progresses, Vietnam is set to host additional events designed for overseas Vietnamese that underscore both the significance of their contributions to the nation's growth and the values of cooperation, friendship, and peace. The scheduled Conference on Promoting Overseas Vietnamese Resources will take place from April 26 to 28 in Nha Trang, and aims to evaluate progress made over the past five years in engaging the overseas community in Vietnamese economic activities.

Through all these efforts — from the nurturing of language and heritage to the strategic partnerships formed with nations like Poland — Vietnam is strengthening its cultural diplomacy and establishing enduring global relationships rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. These initiatives not only solidify Vietnam's presence on the world stage but also nurture the pride of its people, ensuring the vibrant continuation of its cultural and linguistic legacy.