On the afternoon of July 16, 2024, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) had a meeting with the delegation of Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, headed by Mr. He Zhen Hua - Deputy Director of Sichuan Provincial Department of Cultural Relics. The meeting was attended by Dr. Nguyen Van Doan - Director of the VNMH and managers of specialized departments.
The Vietnam National Museum of History and the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology have a long-term cooperative relationship. Notably, in 2006, the two organizations coordinated to conduct an archaeological excavation at Nghia Lap site (Vinh Phuc province). The excavation results were published in China, attracting the attention of Chinese researchers. After that, the two organizations also coordinated to conduct several surveys of Metal Age relics in Northern Vietnam. The results of these surveys were very positive, serving as a basis for building long-term collaborative research projects.
Panoramic photo of the meeting at the VNMH
Based on the results of cooperation in previous years, at the meeting, the two sides discussed activities in the next period. Accordingly, the Chinese side proposed to revise and republish the excavation report of the Nghia Lap site as a bilingual publication (in Vietnamese and Chinese) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary (2006 - 2026). In the next five years, the Chinese side also wants to focus on conducting investigations and excavations of archaeological sites belonging to the Phung Nguyen and Dong Son cultures in the Red River basin, thereby aiming to determine the nature of the relationship between the two cultures. In addition to the field of archaeological research, the Chinese side also proposed to expand the field of cooperation in preservation, exhibition and organizing scientific conference.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan giving a book published by the Museum to Mr. He Zhen Hua
At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Doan highly appreciated the cooperation between the two sides in recent years and approved of the Chinese side's proposals and provided contact detail so that focal person from two sides can discuss the draft memorandum in the new period.
After the meeting, the museum's professional staff accompanied the delegation to conduct investigation at the Phung Nguyen sites of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Bac Ninh.
Taking memorial photo
The delegation visiting the exhibition of VNMH
The delegation of Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology also visited the permanent exhibition of the VNMH.
EN: Thu Hien