Mats Malm, writer, translator and Secretary of the Swedish Academy and author Anna-Karin Palm and Vietnamese participants during the online exchange (Photo: Bach Duong)
The seminar included presentations by Karin Smirnoff, author of the best-selling “Millennium” series. Mats Malm, Secretary of the Swedish Academy, and Anna-Karin Palm, 16th chair of the Swedish Academy, who participated online.
Marie-Louise Thaning, counsellor of the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam, highlighted the importance of literature and the close bond between Swedish and Vietnamese literature.
Marie-Louise Thaning, counsellor of the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam (Photo: Swedish Embassy in Hanoi)

“Over the years, many Swedish books have been translated into Vietnamese and also a lot of Vietnamese books have been translated into Swedish. Perhaps the most important thing is that parents should read with their children. Reading together means talking about what you've read and sharing your views,” said Marie-Louise Thaning.

On the sideline of the seminar, a poster exhibition called “Between the Lines”, produced by the Swedish Institute, was held showcasing Swedish literary figures' thoughts on the role of literature.