In 1997, the United Nations (UN) decided to choose the year 2000 as "International Year of Culture & Peace" and UNESCO as an organiser for this programme.

   Having a tradition of patriotism & fighting against foreign invasion for a long time, Vietnam has been aware of and respected for meaning of peace. The concept of peace in the world today means not only ending bloody wars between each other countries, but also all value in the life of material & spirit.

   As a UN member, Vietnam actively answers to UN's decision on choosing the year 2000 as "International Year of Culture & Peace". In mobilising ceremony for the year in Hanoi on 14.9.1999, the Vietnamese Government announced: "Vietnam wants to make friends with all countries in the world, to strive for peace, independence & development".

   In order to mark this significant event, Department General of Posts & Telecommunications (DGPT) issues the stampset "International Year of Culture & Peace" with one value of 400d.

   The stamp features the image of the UNESCO prize "City for peace" that Hanoi was honoured to be awarded in 1999, together with Hanoi's & UNESCO's logos on the background of blue world map & globe. The stamp expresses Vietnam and other countries in the world to make strong solidarity, peaceful coexistence for mandkind's civilisation on the earth. It is for this idea that Vietnam willingly makes joint efforts with other countries for "International Year of Culture & Peace".