During the state visit to Belarus with her husband - General Secretary To Lam - Madam Ngo Phuong Ly paid a special visit to a Vietnamese language class at the Vietnamese Embassy in Minsk - an inspiring hub where second- and third-generation Vietnamese children nurture their cultural roots.

Established in July 2016, the class now has about 20 students aged 7 to 14. Welcoming Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, the children performed Vietnamese folk songs and children's melodies such as Trống cơm, Đếm sao, and Em yêu trường em, showcasing their deep affection for the language and culture of their ancestral homeland.

Deeply touched, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly praised the classroom as a shining example of the Vietnamese community’s efforts to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage abroad. She emphasized that the enduring vitality of the Vietnamese language is more than a communication tool - it is a sacred bond linking overseas generations with their roots.

She presented a Vietnamese bookcase containing 124 titles, a meaningful gift meant to inspire the children and strengthen their connection to Vietnamese identity through stories, language, and tradition.

“This gift, though modest in size, holds great affection. I hope it brings joy and motivation to these young Vietnamese hearts,” she shared.

In return, the students surprised Madam Ngo Phuong Ly with hand-drawn artworks, including portraits of President Ho Chi Minh surrounded by lotus flowers, and an image of General Secretary To Lam and Madam Ngo Phuong Ly with the flags of Vietnam and Belarus.

“This gift is incredibly precious,” said Phuong Dung, the Vietnamese teacher. She noted that overseas Vietnamese language classes often struggle with a lack of materials, and Madam Ngo Phuong Ly’s gift demonstrates not only her personal care but also the attention and support of the Vietnamese Party and State toward overseas communities.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly also visited the Belarus National Art Museum, where she explored its rich collections and listened to stories of the museum’s post-war resilience and restoration efforts. Built in 1939, the museum houses more than 37,000 artifacts, including classical paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, textiles, and decorative arts from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Museum Director Anna Kononova expressed her admiration for Vietnam, recalling a personal artistic journey to Nha Trang and Da Lat to capture the landscapes and people in her paintings.

In the museum guestbook, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly wrote of her admiration for the staff's dedication in reviving and preserving the works on display. She expressed hope for enhanced cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus, now partners under a newly established Strategic Partnership.