Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

By Giang Huy   August 22, 2023 | 02:09 am PT
President Vo Van Thuong and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tried out pottery-making during a trip to a village in northern Hai Duong Province Tuesday.
Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

The two leaders try their hands at making pottery at the Chu Dau village as part of Tokayev's official visit to Vietnam from Aug. 20 to 22.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Tokayev shapes a pottery vase.

Chu Dau Village in Hai Duong's Nam Sach District is one of the cradles of pottery in Vietnam, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. It flourished during the 14th-17th centuries, before declining in the next three centuries.

The village revived at the end of the 20th century, making its pottery a valuable export. The village's pottery is now present in around 50 museums across the world, including one particular piece at Turkey's Takapisaray museum which was once offered to be bought at $1 million during an auction.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Thuong and Tokayev listen to the history of Chu Dau's development.

Tokayev said the visit has helped him learn more about Vietnam's history and culture. Both leaders said they wish for Hai Duong to continue to promote Chu Dau pottery.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Tokayev enjoys tea and green bean cakes, another specialty of Hai Duong.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Tokayev writes into a guest book following the visit.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Thuong and Tokayev sign onto a pottery vase at the Chu Dau village.

Vietnam, Kazakhstan presidents try pottery-making

Tokayev's name written on the piece.

Vietnam and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations on June 29, 1992.

In a dialogue on Monday, Thuong and Tokayev acclaimed the opening of a direct flight route between Vietnam and Kazakhstan in October 2022, and said the signing of an agreement for visa waivers and a memorandum on tourism cooperation would help bolster tourism and people's exchange between the two countries.

 
 
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