‘Vietnam Coffee Night’ symbolizes cultural exchange
By Zohreh Qanadi
Staff writer
A taste of Vietnam coffee was the theme of a gathering at the Vietnamese Embassy in Tehran on Friday night, aiming to foster bonds of friendship between the two nations.
On the occasion of National Women’s Day in Vietnam – Oct. 20 – and on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and Vietnam, the embassy organized “Vietnam Coffee Night” to celebrate the friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations. A delightful Iranian dinner, combined with the captivating culture of Vietnamese coffee, with its pleasant aromas, rich flavors, and unique brewing techniques symbolized the cultural exchange between the two peoples.
In cooperation with the Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association and HTS Film Production, the embassy organized “Vietnam Coffee Night,” where the documentary film, “Growth,” directed by Vahid Alvandifar, was screened. The film is the story of the growth of coffee: A tale that travels from Yemen to Ethiopia and other parts of the world, showing it as more than just a beverage, but a symbol of friendship among nations.
Known for its motto of ‘Independence, Freedom, and Happiness,’ Vietnam stands as the second-largest producer of Robusta coffee beans globally, following Brazil.
And in Iran, although it was known as a symbol of Western culture at the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, coffee found its true place years later. The history of coffeehouses in the country dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, a time when coffee was more popular than tea. It was even known by Iranian scientists Razi ((865-925 CE), and Avicenna (980-1037 CE).
Exploring trade opportunities
The Friday event, which brought together representatives and coffee traders from both sides, was hosted by Ambassador Luong Quoc Huy.
In his welcoming speech, the ambassador introduced the audience to Vietnam’s coffee culture and expressed his delight at Iranians’ interest in Vietnamese coffee. He also mentioned that in the first six months of 2023, coffee imports from Vietnam to Iran were worth approximately $21 million. Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, following Brazil.
Referring to trade statistics mentioned by the envoy, the head of the Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association, Kamal Sajjadi, also saw Vietnam as the potential major coffee bean exporter to Iran.
Promoting the coffee trade between the two countries, he expressed the friendship association’s support of this field.
Sajjadi also elaborated on the activities of the Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association that was established 20 years ago.
The proposition of the sisterhood between the capitals, Hanoi and Tehran, as well as Thailand’s Can Tho city and Amol in Iran’s Mazandaran Province has been among the association’s cultural activities.
Honoring Vietnamese women
The ceremony coincided with the celebration of Vietnamese Women’s Day. Ambassador Quoc Huy extended his appreciation for the Vietnamese women in attendance at Coffee Night by presenting them with flowers, symbolizing the gratitude of the entire nation.
An old Vietnamese saying, “When the enemy is at the gate, the woman goes out fighting,” shows that the role of women in Vietnam has long been linked to the struggle for independence, the first element of the motto of “Independence, Freedom, and Happiness”.
On October 20, 1930, Vietnamese women, supported by the Communist Party of Vietnam, united against imperialism and formed an organization that was later known as the Vietnam Women’s Union. Since then, Vietnam celebrates this day to honor the organization and Vietnamese women.