Handover of the Defense Land of Ky Dai (the Hanoi Flag Tower)

4 weeks ago

On the morning of December 25, 2024, a solemn ceremony took place at the Vietnam Military History Museum (28A Điện Biên Phủ, Ba Đình District, Hanoi) to officially transfer defense land, including the Hanoi Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài), along with related assets. This significant event marked a key transition in management between the Ministry of National Defense and the Hanoi municipal government, with the goal of preserving and enhancing the historical and cultural value of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Trinh Nhu Hue, Deputy Chief of the Office of the General Political Department. Representing the transferor side was Colonel Lê Vu Huy, Director of the Vietnam Military History Museum, alongside other museum officials. Representing the transferee was Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, accompanied by staff from the Center. Additionally, the event was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Finance, Department of Operations, Department of Barracks, Department of Politics, and Department of Logistics, as well as officials from Hanoi’s Departments of Culture and Sports, Construction, Finance, Natural Resources and Environment, Planning and Architecture, and Planning and Investment.

The assets handed over include the defense land previously managed by the Vietnam Military History Museum, located at 28A Dien Bien Phu, the Hanoi Flag Tower—a historic and cultural symbol of the capital—and all fixed infrastructure and associated assets on the transferred site. This transfer is part of Hanoi’s socio-economic development strategy and contributes to the conservation of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. During the event, Colonel Trinh Nhu Hue highlighted that the handover was not only an administrative responsibility but also a collaborative effort for the long-term interests of the nation. He emphasized the historical importance of the Hanoi Flag Tower as a symbol that must be protected and its value promoted appropriately. Colonel Le Vu Huy, representing the transferor, stated that the preparations for the handover were carried out meticulously and in full compliance with legal regulations. He also described the collaboration between the Ministry of National Defense and the Hanoi People’s Committee as an important step in preserving and developing cultural heritage. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quang, representing the transferee, committed to effectively managing and promoting the value of the transferred site. He expressed the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center’s dedication to showcasing the site as a cultural symbol of Hanoi, contributing to the city’s tourism, economic growth, and international image. He described this responsibility as both a duty and a great honor.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the handover agreement between the two parties, witnessed by all attendees. The solemn atmosphere of the event reflected deep respect for the historical and cultural values being transferred. This handover stands as a testament to the effective cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense and the Hanoi municipal government. As a result, the Hanoi Flag Tower, an iconic symbol of the capital, will continue to thrive as a cultural heritage site, playing an important role in Hanoi’s development and enriching its historical narrative for generations to come.

(Images from the ceremony)