Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Chu Dau Pottery Village in the northern province of Hai Duong, around 60 kilometers from Hanoi, and tried hand techniques with clay in the ancient village on Tuesday morning.

The two state leaders also learned about the pottery village’s history and took a closer look at pottery items made by artisans in one of the most famous craft villages in Vietnam.

Dating back to the 15th century, Chu Dau pottery products are well known for their sophisticated patterns that reflect the skillful hands of Vietnamese artisans and highlight Vietnam’s historical and cultural values.

Chu Dau Pottery Village was miraculously revived to produce high-value pottery items for export despite several years of experiencing ups and downs.

The village’s revival has also created the potential for tourism in the province.

Presidents Thuong and Tokayev congratulated Hai Duong Province on its success in restoring the precious, traditional pottery products.

The two expected the province and firms active in pottery to keep developing the craft and to popularize Chu Dau pottery items among local and international visitors.

President Tokayev said that he was glad to visit Chu Dau Pottery Village as the trip expanded his knowledge about Vietnam’s culture and history.

The two presidents of Vietnam and Kazakhstan and other top officials walk around Chu Dau Pottery Village in Hai Duong Province, around 60 kilometers from Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

The two presidents of Vietnam and Kazakhstan sign their names on a big vase. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signs on a vase, a piece of pottery in Chu Dau Pottery Village in Hai Duong Province, around 60 kilometers from Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Kazakh President Tokayev (C) expresses his pleasure to visit Chu Dau Pottery Village in Hai Duong Provine, around 60 kilometers from Hanoi. This photo shows the two presidents and other officials drinking a cup of tea. The cups were made of clay in the village. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

He also thanked President Thuong for the latter's warm welcome and hospitality during his Vietnam visit, which began on Sunday.

The Kazakh president was set to leave Hanoi to conclude his visit on Tuesday afternoon.

This is his first visit to Vietnam since he assumed power in 2019 and the first visit by a Kazakh president in 12 years.

As part of his working trip, the Kazakh president and his Vietnamese counterpart held successful talks on Monday, and witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements to deepen bilateral relations.

President Tokayev also met with Vietnam's Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and lawmaking National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on the same day.

During these meetings, the Kazakh president underscored that Kazakhstan considers Vietnam one of its key partners in Southeast Asia.

A picture shows Vietnam's State President Vo Van Thuong (R) seeing off Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Top Vietnamese officials wave goodbye to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

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