A delegation comprising ambassadors, heads of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, and representatives from the UNESCO Office in Hanoi visited the Con Son – Kiep Bac Special National Relic Site in Chi Linh city, northern Hai Duong province, on May 16.

The visit formed part of the “Discover Vietnam Day 2025” programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People’s Committees of Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, and Bac Giang provinces.

In recent years, the three provinces have worked closely to survey and compile a nomination dossier for the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, which is now complete. This marks Vietnam’s first UNESCO heritage nomination comprising 20 interconnected sites. Hai Duong contributes five, including Con Son Pagoda, Kiep Bac Temple, Thanh Mai Pagoda, Kinh Chu Cave, and Nham Duong Pagoda.

Con Son and Kiep Bac are among twelve sites featured in the dossier submitted to UNESCO for World Heritage recognition. The sites are noted for their cultural, historical, and scientific significance, and meet core criteria related to integrity and authenticity.

Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong provincial People’s Committee, reaffirmed the province’s commitment, alongside Quang Ninh and Bac Giang, to preserving and promoting the heritage values of the complex. He also called for continued support from ambassadors and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi in the ongoing advocacy for the complex's inscription on the World Heritage List.

Launched in 2015, “Discover Vietnam Day” is an annual initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening international understanding of Vietnam’s foreign policy, socio-economic progress, and cultural identity.

This year’s programme also includes visits to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Giang province, home to ancient woodblocks recognised as UNESCO documentary heritage, and Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh province./. VNA