Vietnam - Iran relations in the new global context

Attending the conference were Mr. Hussein Alvandi Behineh (Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam) and many scientists from both countries.

In his opening speech at the conference, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) mentioned the history of friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Iran and the cultural and historical similarities that are the foundation for mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. The official diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1973. Up to now, this cooperative relationship has entered a new stage of comprehensive development in all fields of politics, economics, culture, science and technology. Entering the 21st century, facing changes in the regional and world context, both Vietnam and Iran wish to promote the tradition of friendly cooperation, bringing this cooperative relationship to a new level for the common interests of the people of the two countries.

Mr. Hussein Alvandi Behineh (Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran) speaks at the opening session. (Photo: Jackie Chan/USSH)

For the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular, cooperation with the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam over the years has brought about remarkable results: many Vietnamese students and lecturers have come to study and research in Iran, many Iranian lecturers have come to teach Persian at the University, many academic and cultural exchange activities between Vietnam and Iran have been organized, the Iran Room has been built as a place to display and conduct in-depth research on Persian culture and language as a preparation step towards establishing the Iranian Studies major...

Also at the opening session, Ambassador Hussein Alvandi Behineh delivered a speech on Iran’s foreign policy towards neighboring countries in the region, including Vietnam. He also highly appreciated the significance of the conference as a typical academic activity during the Iran Cultural Week at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, aiming to bring new opportunities for cooperation and exchange between scientists of the two countries through the exchange of ideas on important regional and global issues.

At the workshop, from different perspectives, scientific presentations highlighted the achievements in the Vietnam - Iran cooperation relationship, analyzed new factors and international contexts affecting the relationship between the two countries. The specific contents discussed were: potential and opportunities for Vietnam - Iran investment cooperation; Vietnam - Iran economic and trade relations - current situation and prospects; Iran's foreign policy in Southeast Asia with a focus on Vietnam; the Iranian people and the Vietnam War - from a historical perspective and prospects of people's diplomacy in the new context; the interaction between religion and politics in the Middle East; energy security in the India - Iran relationship...