Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman highlights cultural ties during Senegal museum visit
The Museum of Black Civilizations showcases Africa’s cultural wealth and historical legacy, as well as its ongoing efforts to preserve valuable artifacts and repatriate more of them.
THE HANOI TIMES — National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man praised Africa’s cultural legacy and reaffirmed the importance of culture in fostering ties between Vietnam and Senegal during his visit to the Museum of Black Civilizations on July 24.
This visit was part of his official trip to the African country.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse visit the Museum of Black Civilizations. Photos: VNA
Senegal opened the museum as a national institution in December 2018 following the project launched in 2009. President Léopold Sédar Senghor pitched the idea for the museum at the 1966 World Festival of Black Arts.
Sitting on more than 13,700 square meters, the museum features a unique, four-story, circular structure inspired by traditional Senegalese water tanks.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man signs the guestbook at the Museum of Black Civilizations.
It currently displays about 18,000 items, including historical artifacts and contemporary artworks.
A large baobab tree sculpture by Haitian artist E. Duval-Carrie stands at the main hall entrance. The museum is collaborating with European partners to repatriate more valuable cultural objects.
During the visit, Man signed the guestbook, expressing confidence that relations between Vietnam and Senegal would grow stronger, grounded in mutual understanding and cultural connection.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a souvenir to the Senegal Vovinam Federation. Photo: VNA
Earlier, on July 23, Man and his spouse visited the Vovinam Club in Dakar. The delegation enjoyed martial arts demonstrations by members of the Senegal Vovinam Federation.
Vovinam, or Viet Vo Dao, is a Vietnamese martial art that integrates combat skills with personal discipline and ethical training.
Dr. Diomaye Dieng, President of the Federation, noted that Vovinam shapes responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities. Senegal now ranks second in Africa for Vovinam's practitioners that hit 3,000.
