The Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association held a cultural exchange event in the capital city on September 8 to mark the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam – Japan diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 – 2018).

Scene at the event. (Photo: HAUFO)

Speaking at the event, Chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HAUFO) Nguyen Lan Huong, who is also head of the mass mobilization department of the Hanoi Party Committee, stressed that over the past 45 years, Vietnam and Japan have become important partners in various areas, including economy, culture, education and tourism. Since its elevation in March 2014, the bilateral relations have seen strong, comprehensive and practical progress, she added.

She confirmed that over the past years, the union has always paid heed to the strengthening and pushing up of the people-to-people exchange between the two countries, two capitals and localities. She also described the Hanoi chapter as one of the leading in Hanoi’s people diplomacy in the recent past.

Chairman of the Hanoi chapter Vu Van Vien highlighted various activities by the chapter in the field of cultural and economic exchanges, sports and trade promotion aimed at strengthening the mutual understanding and deepening the solidarity between the peoples of the two capitals and the two countries on the basis of equality, mutual respect and joint development.

The chapter has held many activities to mark the anniversary so far this year, most noteworthy are the exhibition of paintings related to Haiku poetry and the reception of 200 cherry blossom trees from the Chukyo Japan – Vietnam Friendship association, he said.

Making Vietnam’s mooncake. (Photo: HAUFO)

At the event, participants had a chance to have a deeper look into forms of art of the two countries, including the Ikebana flower arrangement, the Origami paper folding and the Haiku poetry of Japan, and the mooncake making of Vietnam.

A Vietnam – Japan music gala will be held in Hanoi on September 9 celebrating the 45^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. The music gala, which will be co-hosted by the Vietnam Television (VTV), the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi, will gather well-known artists from the two countries, featuring not only traditional but also pop music, Minh said.

Vietnamese artists joining the event include singer My Linh, Dong Nhi, Trong Hieu, Yanbi, Duong Tran Nghia, rapper Weeza, Ngoi Sao Nho club, Young Hit Young Beat and The Wings bands. Japanese artists Pikotaro, Godai Natsuko will also stage performances./.

VNF/VNA