Vietnam Proposes Deepening Cultural Partnership with Pakistan Through Shared Buddhist Heritage

Islamabad: Vietnam has proposed an ambitious cultural partnership with Pakistan, centered on their shared Buddhist heritage and aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through faith-based and cultural tourism. The initiative was led by H.E. Mr. Pham Anh Tuan – Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to Pakistan, during a high-level meeting with Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Minister for National Heritage and Culture.

Ambassador Pham emphasized Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and its commitment to preserving historical sites and artifacts. He proposed formal collaboration with Pakistan in the areas of heritage conservation, museum partnerships, joint exhibitions, and academic exchanges, framing it as a gateway to deeper people-to-people ties. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” he said, highlighting this as a pivotal starting point for long-term cooperation.

One of the key proposals was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Taxila Museum and major Vietnamese institutions such as the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City. The envisioned MoU would enable collaborative exhibitions, including a special feature titled “Buddhist Art Along the Silk Road,” showcasing masterpieces from Taxila alongside Vietnamese Buddhist artifacts. This would spotlight the cultural dialogues between South and Southeast Asia, offering international audiences a rare comparative view.

The Ambassador also proposed regular exchanges of museum curators, conservators, and archaeologists, alongside joint research on Buddhist iconography and the spiritual links between Gandhara—the ancient Buddhist heartland of modern-day Pakistan—and ancient Vietnam. Educational programs and co-publication of research were also discussed as part of a long-term strategy.

Another pillar of the partnership would be specialized heritage tours, connecting Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi with Vietnam’s renowned Buddhist landmarks, aimed at attracting global pilgrims and cultural tourists. These tours, coupled with digital promotion, training in heritage management, and community involvement, could yield significant socio-economic benefits.

Ambassador Pham praised Pakistan’s Gandharan legacy, particularly the Taxila Museum’s world-class collection, and stated, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” He urged swift action to formalize cultural partnerships and proposed early signing of the MoU to unlock mutual benefits.

In response, Minister Khichi warmly welcomed Vietnam’s proposals and assured Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cultural cooperation. He referenced Pakistan’s existing cultural agreements with over 80 countries and affirmed, “We will move forward and let us sign MoUs.” He expressed admiration for Vietnam’s cultural richness and outlined Pakistan’s interest in hosting joint exhibitions and festivals.

Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani, Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, elaborated on Pakistan’s historical and cultural depth—from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to Gandhara—stressing the natural synergy between the two nations for civilizational exchange.

Tourism emerged as a key component of the dialogue. Minister Khichi invited Vietnamese mountaineers to explore Pakistan’s famed adventure tourism destinations, including K2 and the Karakoram range. Ambassador Pham responded positively, acknowledging the international appeal of Pakistan’s natural beauty and the resilience of its people.

To streamline cooperation, both sides agreed to appoint a “Focal Person” for coordination and to organize follow-up meetings. One of the most impactful ideas discussed was the initiation of direct flights between Vietnam and Islamabad, a step both sides supported to promote tourism, trade, and cultural contact.

Minister Khichi also extended an invitation to the Vietnamese Embassy to participate in Lok Virsa, Pakistan’s premier cultural festival, encouraging them and other missions to showcase their heritage, crafts, and cuisine. He also floated the idea of hosting a dedicated Gandhara Exhibition in collaboration with the Vietnamese side.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Truong Van Thang, First Secretary, and Mr. Quang, Second Secretary and Head of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of Vietnam, as well as Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of NIFTYSPHERE INSTITUTE, who highlighted the tourism potential of Shah Allah Ditta caves as a possible Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

This landmark meeting reflects a shared vision to promote peace, intercultural understanding, and sustainable development through cultural diplomacy—anchored in the profound Buddhist heritage that links the histories of Pakistan and Vietnam.