Based on the bilateral cultural agreement of 27 January 1997, the Goethe-Institut was inaugurated on 22 December with the participation of the Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut Joachim Sartorius, the German Ambassador Wolfgang Erck, the Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office Hoyer and Vietnamese VIPs. From the beginning, the Goethe-Institut has been guided by the desire for dialogue and equal encounters. The work does not pursue the goal of national self-representation or a post-colonial occupation of topics, but places intellectual and cultural exchange and the search for understanding at the centre of all activities. This is never done alone, but with local experts, socio-politically committed organisations and local European partners. With our language work, we promote the teaching and learning of the German language in the Vietnamese education system and thus empower Vietnamese people of all ages with professional and personal mobility. Our work is rounded off by pre-integrative and intercultural offers that prepare for a possible stay in German-speaking countries.

I cordially invite you to discover the history of our anniversary website through events, themes, artistic genres, and interviews with our staff. A common thread running through all the reports is the cooperation with local and European partners on site, with whom we are constantly on the lookout for spaces for art and creativity and fill them with life.

I am delighted to celebrate the 25th anniversary with you, all friends and partners of the Goethe-Institut Hanoi. We are so strong because engaging with you gives us strength and encouragement. In this spirit, we look forward to the next 25 years of the Goethe-Institut Hanoi with confidence and vigour!

Yours
Oliver Brandt