On May 18, 2025, the Special National Relic Site of Cổ Loa (Đông Anh District, Hanoi) had the honor of welcoming Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, for a visit and working session during his official trip to Vietnam.
During his visit, Mr. Assomo was introduced to the outstanding historical and cultural values of the Cổ Loa Relic Site, which served as the capital of Vietnam twice: during the An Dương Vương period of Âu Lạc (3rd century BC) and under Ngô Quyền (939 – 965 AD). With its unique system of fortifications, traces of ancient architecture, and legendary stories associated with the nation-building and defense of Vietnam, Cổ Loa is recognized as one of the earliest political and military centers in Southeast Asia.

At the working session, Mr. Hà Kim Ngọc, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Quang, Director of the Thăng Long Heritage Preservation Center – Hanoi, and other scientific experts presented the site’s outstanding values and shared insights on the process of preserving, researching, and promoting Cổ Loa. They also expressed the hope to continue receiving UNESCO’s support in nominating Cổ Loa as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Mr. Assomo expressed deep admiration for the historical, architectural, and cultural values of Cổ Loa, commended Vietnam’s efforts in heritage preservation, and provided advice on the roadmap for preparing the World Heritage nomination dossier.
The visit of Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo marks an important milestone, strengthening the cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO in heritage preservation, while creating opportunities to advance the nomination of Cổ Loa as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo attending the working session

Viewing presentations, exchanging, and discussing the outstanding values of Cổ Loa with delegates

Receiving a gift from Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Quang, Director of the Thăng Long Heritage Preservation Center

Offering incense at the Temple of An Dương Vương

Guided tour of the relic site by Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Quang

isiting the Commemorative Stele House (Đền Thượng)

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo and the delegates take commemorative photos at the site

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo visits the Exhibition House

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo tours the Cổ Loa Citadel

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo participates in the crossbow shooting experience activity

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo takes part in the traditional “đóng bỏng Chủ” experience activity