Part of the Hà Nội Library after the renewal project was completed. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

HÀ NỘI — A project to renovate the Hà Nội Library into a public cultural exchange and reading space has been completed under the financial support of the Republic of Korea (RoK).

The capital city's Department of Culture and Sports held a ceremony this week to mark the inaugeration of the public library renewal project, which was funded by the RoK’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The project aims to upgrade the facilities of the Hà Nội Library and create a space for cultural exchange, cultural enjoyment and book reading, thus helping improve the spiritual life of residents.  

Starting in November 2022, the project focused on re-designing and decorating the library.

Speaking at the inaugration ceremony on Tuesday, RoK’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chun Byeong-geuk noted his ministry began projects on renewing small libraries in other countries in 2007.

The RoK Government has expanded the scope of assistance for foreign public libraries since 2020, and Việt Nam was the first to benefit from this.

The South Korean official congratulated the library becoming a cultural space for Hà Nội's 8.3 million residents.

This is the first public library support project that the Korean Government has implemented in Việt Nam, according to Chun.

Chun also expected the renewed Hà Nội Library to become a crucial and leading centre of knowlegde, information, and culture in Việt Nam.

In her remarks, Vice Chairwoman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Vũ Thu Hà described the project as a contributor to the Việt Nam- RoK friendship, especially in the field of culture and libraries.

She expressed her belief that thanks to this project, the Hanoi Library will become a space of creativity and an incubator of local talents.

This is a new chance for the library to help promote a reading culture and transform itself from a traditional-style library to a modern one to supply more conveniences for people, Hà added.

The city official also appreciated the assistance from the RoK’s ministry, Government, and embassy, adding that multifaceted cooperation, including in culture, will help strengthen the two countries’ friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership.

Meanwhile, the library's leaders expressed their gratitude towards the South Korean Government and the Korean Embassy in Việt Nam for their support. They believe that this project will tighten the friendship between the two countries and promote the Việt Nam-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The initiative will strengthen the relationship between Việt Nam and Korea through the implementation of ODA (Official Development Assistance) projects in the field of culture. — VNS