Minister Charlie McConalogue visits Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Vietnam

HANOI, VIETNAM (27 March 2026) – Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Mr. Charlie McConalogue TD visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from 18 – 21 March in celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Vietnam. The visit also celebrates Ireland’s national day, St. Patrick’s Day.

In Hanoi, Minister McConalogue had a number of political engagements, including meetings with Acting Minister for Education and Training, H.E. Hoàng Minh Sơn, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism H.E. Hoàng Đạo Cương, and Deputy Minister for Health, H.E. Dr. Tran Van Thuan.

As part of the Government of Ireland’s longstanding development cooperation programme in Vietnam, Minister McConalogue visited Duc Giang Hospital where he announced €900,000 in funding for an infant nutrition programme, delivered by the Embassy’s partner, Alive and Thrive. Minister McConalogue also visited UN House where he met with UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Pauline Tamesis and announced €400,000 in funding to support the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) programme, delivered by the UNDP.

Minister McConalogue also had a number of business engagements in Ho Chi Minh City, supported by Enterprise Ireland - Ireland’s trade promotion agency.

Minister McConalogue was guest of honour at the Embassy’s St. Patrick’s Day Reception in Hanoi which provided an opportunity to meet with important political, economic and development partners of the Embassy. This event, along with his attendance at the St. Patrick’s Day Fleadh, organised by the Saigon Irish Society in Ho Chi Minh City, and at a GAA (Irish football) youth blitz organised by the TH School, allowed the Minister to meet with many members of the vibrant Irish community in Vietnam.

Minister McConalogue said: “I’m delighted to be here to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Vietnam. Ireland’s relationship with Vietnam continues to grow in depth and ambition. Irish organisations, businesses, educators and development partners are doing remarkable work that reflects our values and strengthens our global presence. My visit this week is an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution, to reinforce our partnerships, and to open new avenues for cooperation in sport, culture, education and sustainable development.”