President Luong Cuong and his spouse, alongside President Sulyok Tamás and his wife, attended the opening of a photo exhibition by Hungarian naval doctor and photographer Dezso Bozoky.

Hosted by the Hungarian Embassy in Vietnam, the exhibition showcased rare, early 20th-century photographs capturing life in old Saigon, offering glimpses into Vietnamese customs, architecture, and daily life from over a century ago.

Dezso Bozoky (1871-1957), who served in the Austro-Hungarian Navy, documented his 16-month journey across East Asia from 1907 to 1909. His ship docked on the Saigon River, where he took a series of historic photos now archived at the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts, Budapest.

This marked the first time many of these images have been shown to a Vietnamese audience.

Notable landmarks in his collection include Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi), the Botanical Garden, Saigon Opera House, Saigon City Hall, Ben Nghe Canal, and Buddhist temples in Cho Lon - all captured with rare clarity and detail.

President Sulyok Tamás emphasized that the exhibit symbolizes the long-standing awareness and respect between the Hungarian and Vietnamese peoples. Through these images, Hungarians from the early 20th century gained a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s culture and people.

President Luong Cuong, representing the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government, Bozoky's family, and all who helped preserve these cultural artifacts. The exhibition’s timing - coinciding with the President of Hungary’s visit and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations - adds to its historic significance.

During the event, President Luong Cuong presented a đàn bầu, Vietnam’s iconic single-string instrument, to First Lady Nagy Zsuzsanna.

He noted that though modest in material value, the instrument embodies the creativity and cultural spirit of the Vietnamese people. The đàn bầu, with only one string, produces a full range of musical tones, a testament to Vietnam’s artistic ingenuity.

The First Lady expressed her heartfelt appreciation and was visibly moved by the meaningful gift.

Earlier that day, President Luong Cuong and his spouse hosted an official banquet in honor of President Sulyok Tamás and the First Lady of Hungary.

Tran Thuong-Pham Hai