Text by Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi / Photo by Gunnhild Pauline Baade
In Hanoi some 25 Norwegians gathered to celebrate this important day together. But on a festive day like the 17th of May it is also important to remember how privileged Norwegians are and the Norwegian community took time to reflect on the fact that not everyone is so fortunate that they can celebrate the freedom and equality that the Norwegian constitution is founded on.
The National Day of Norway was also a good occasion to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Norway and Vietnam. The Norwegian Embassy therefore co-organized a performance of Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, with aspiring actors from the Hanoi Academy of Theatre & Cinema on stage. Inspired and taught by the Norwegian director Morten Krogh, the performance was part of the cultural exchange collaboration between Norway and Vietnam.
Later in the evening the Ambassador of Norway, H. E. Mr. Ståle Risa and his wife, hosted a formal reception, with some 300 guests attending.
In his speech the Ambassador emphasized the strong bilateral relationship in trade and investment, that has increased substantially in recent years. The Ambassador also highlighted the important cultural exchange and cooperation between Norway and Vietnam. Guests had the pleasure of enjoying both a Vietnamese contemporary art exhibition and a classical music performance with Norwegian elements during the special evening.
