KEY POINTS
- MoU was discussed between Taxila Museum and top Vietnamese museums for joint exhibitions and research
- Both nations agreed to enhance people-to-people connections through direct flights, cultural exchanges, and heritage tours
- Pakistan welcomed the collaboration, offering platforms like Lok Virsa and Gandhara exhibitions
ISLAMABAD: In a step towards fostering cultural harmony and spiritual connectivity across Asia, Vietnam has proposed a cultural and faith-based tourism partnership with Pakistan to promote their shared deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Islamabad between Mr Quang, Second Secretary and Head of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy at the Vietnamese Embassy, and Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture.
The proposal includes joint exhibitions, archaeological collaboration, and heritage tourism linking Buddhist sites in both countries.
Invoking the timeless wisdom of Lao Tzu, Mr. Quang said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” as he laid out a vision of collaboration that transcends borders and generations.
Vietnam, known for its millennia-old civilisation and rich Buddhist traditions, proposed an ambitious cultural bridge connecting the shrines, stupas, and stories of Gandhara with those of ancient Vietnam.
Pact of Heritage and Heart
Central to Vietnam’s proposal is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s Taxila Museum—a jewel of Gandharan art—and Vietnam’s top cultural institutions, including the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City.
Travelling exhibitions like the proposed “Buddhist Art Along the Silk Road”, showcase iconic relics from both nations.
Joint research programs exploring religious and artistic links between Gandhara and ancient Vietnam.
Exchange of curators, archaeologists, and conservators, creating a knowledge-sharing ecosystem across continents.
Buddhist heritage tours linking Taxila’s UNESCO World Heritage sites with Vietnam’s spiritual landmarks.
Digitisation of cultural assets, making centuries of Buddhist art accessible to a global audience.
“This collaboration will not only enrich our cultural understanding,” said Mr. Quang, “but also open new doors for local artisans, heritage managers, and communities on both sides.”
Pakistan’s Warm Embrace
Minister Khichi welcomed the proposal with enthusiasm, assuring his Vietnamese counterpart that it would be taken on a priority basis.
“We are ready to move forward. Let us sign MoUs,” he affirmed, highlighting Pakistan’s existing cultural partnerships with over 80 countries.
Khichi also praised Vietnam’s rich traditions and proposed the organisation of a Gandhara Exhibition in partnership with the Vietnamese Embassy.
Additionally, he invited Vietnam to participate in Lok Virsa, Pakistan’s iconic cultural festival, and encouraged other embassies to do the same to deepen people-to-people ties.
Connecting Through Tourism
Tourism featured prominently in the dialogue, with both sides envisioning a vibrant flow of travellers between their countries.
Pakistan, with its Himalayan peaks, ancient caves, and Buddhist ruins, positioned itself as a compelling destination for adventure and spiritual tourism alike.
“Vietnamese climbers are welcome to our mountains,” said Minister Khichi. “We will make all arrangements to ensure a memorable experience.”
Mr. Quang praised K2 as a mountaineer’s dream, expressing admiration for the resilience and pride of the Pakistani people.
Adding momentum to the initiative, both delegations agreed to appoint a Focal Person to coordinate cultural and tourism collaboration.
Talks of direct flights between Vietnam and Islamabad further sparked excitement about a new era of regional travel and exchange.
Past Echoes, Future Pathways
Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani of the National Heritage and Culture Division offered a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s ancient legacy—from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to the serene stupas of Takht-i-Bahi and Taxila.
He underscored the Gandhara civilisation’s pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism and its potential to draw international attention.
The potential of sites like the Shah Allah Ditta caves also came to the fore, as Usman Shah, CEO of NIFTYSPHERE INSTITUTE, emphasised their value in attracting Buddhist pilgrims and contributing to economic growth.
