On the afternoon of November 26, 2025, Ha Long University successfully organized the event “Azerbaijan Culinary Day at Ha Long University” with the presence of the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye in Viet Nam

The event not only offered lecturers and students the opportunity to experience Azerbaijani cuisine and learn about the Halal industry, but also contributed to enhancing the quality of tourism training, strengthening international cultural exchange, and promoting the image of Quang Ninh Province and Ha Long University to partners from Muslim-majority countries.

Welcoming performance

Attending the festival were H.E. Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Viet Nam; H.E. Kanat Tumysh – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Viet Nam; H.E. Korhan Kemik – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Viet Nam; representatives of the Embassies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye in Viet Nam; the Vice President of the World Barbecue Association; and representatives from Vietnam Pakistan Trading Co., Ltd.

From Quang Ninh Province, the event welcomed leaders of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, agencies and representatives of organizations and units that are partners of Ha Long University.

From Ha Long University, attendees included Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep – Rector, Dr. Tran Trung Vy – Secretary of the Party Committee, the University Board of Rectors, heads of units across the university, lecturers, and students.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep – Rector of Ha Long University delivering the opening remarks

In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep warmly welcomed distinguished guests to the Azerbaijan Culinary Day at Ha Long University. He shared:
“Azerbaijan is a nation blessed with a rich cultural heritage shaped by nature and history. Among these treasures, cuisine serves as a remarkable bridge that conveys the essence, soul, and lifestyle of the Azerbaijani people. Enjoying Azerbaijani cuisine here at Ha Long University offers a valuable opportunity for our lecturers, students, and the local community to expand their understanding of world cultures, foster respect for diversity, and promote international exchange. Ha Long University identifies international integration as one of its key strategic orientations. We believe that today’s event will open new prospects for cooperation between the University and the Embassies, particularly in the fields of training, foreign languages, tourism, culture, and the development of Halal tourism in Quang Ninh.”

Within the framework of the festival, a Barbecue Contest was held with the participation of five student teams from Ha Long University. The judging panel consisted of culinary experts from the World Barbecue Association, the Quang Ninh Chefs’ Association, and executive chefs from leading hotels across the province. The teams showcased their culinary skills by preparing dishes inspired by Azerbaijani cuisine.

Ha Long University students participating in the Barbecue Contest

The Ambassadors and Leaders of units taking commemorative photos with the participating teams

Speaking at the event, H.E. Shovgi Mehdizade expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Ha Long University and Quang Ninh Province in hosting such a meaningful program. He emphasized that through activities with Ha Long University, the relationship between diplomatic missions and Quang Ninh Province has grown increasingly strong. He also expressed his hope that, following this event, more large-scale programs would continue to be organized at Ha Long University and in Quang Ninh Province.

H.E. Shovgi Mehdizade - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Viet Nam delivering remarks at the festival

The “Azerbaijan Culinary Day at Ha Long University” served not only as an occasion to deepen mutual understanding of culture and cuisine between the two countries, but also as a platform for expanding academic, tourism, and economic cooperation, particularly in the field of Halal development. The event promises to lay the foundation for similar exchanges in the future, contributing to strengthening Ha Long University’s position in international cooperation.

Translated by Nguyễn Thanh Hiền