A programme entitled “Vietnam Days in Myanmar” kicked off on May 7^th, featuring a wide range of cultural activities and art performances, photo and handicraft exhibitions, fashion shows, and workshops connecting enterprises from the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Luan Thuy Duong (green long dress) and international guests at the opening ceremony. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar)

In her opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Luan Thuy Duong highlighted the significance of the programme – the first event of its kind held in Myanmar, saying that it aims to celebrate the 43^rd founding anniversary of Vietnam-Myanmar diplomatic ties.

It was also part of activities to concretize the Vietnam-Myanmar Cultural Cooperation Programme for 2017-2020 signed by leaders of the two countries in August 2017, and the Vietnam-Myanmar Joint Statement issued on the occasion of Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to Vietnam in April 2018, Duong said.

The ambassador expressed her hope that the four-day event will contribute to bolstering culture and tourism links, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Myanmar Minister of Hotels and Tourism Ohn Maung affirmed that the event not only introduced Vietnam’s potential and unique culture, but also enhanced friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the Myanmar and Vietnamese people.

Vietnam and Myanmar is enjoying effective tourism cooperation, he stressed, noting that more and more Myanmar people have been travelling to Vietnam in recent years.

The minister suggested establishing a joint working group on tourism cooperation between Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Vietnam’s Culture, Sports and Tourism, and emphasised the need to devise measures to facilitate collaboration between the two countries in this field.

During the opening ceremony, more than 30 Vietnamese artists brought special performances to the audiences, especially those to introduce the country’s UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritages.

The presentation of Ao dai collection “Hoa tren vai gam” by designer Vinh Thuy was a highlight of the ceremony. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar)

The presentation of Ao dai (traditional long dress) collection “Hoa tren vai gam” (Flowers on brocade) by designer Vinh Thuy, which was sewn and painted manually, was also a highlight of the ceremony.

A programme connecting enterprises operating in tourism and handicraft was held after the opening ceremony, seeing the participation of 25 companies from the two countries.

Over 100 photos are being displayed at an exhibition in Myanmar Plaza in the second day of the event, giving visitors a panoramic view of Vietnam’s natural landscapes and people./.

VNF/VNA