Nearly 1,000 youths attended the Vietnam-UK Cultural Festival at the Hong Bang University in Ho Chi Minh City on June 8 to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam -the UK diplomatic ties.

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, the HCM City Vietnam-UK Friendship Association and the British Consulate General in the city.

At the festival, Vietnamese culture was introduced through paintings and sculptural works as well as sand pictures of artist Tri Duc.

Visitors learnt about work culture of British companies and the country’s educational system and study opportunities, and were entertained by artistic performances and fashion shows of Vietnam and the UK .

Chairman of the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association in HCM City Huynh Ngoc An said cultural and educational activities helped improve the two peoples’ mutual understanding, contributing to furthering their diplomatic relations as well as trade cooperation.

Stephen Agnew, UK Deputy Consul General in HCM City , said that the festival was a great evidence of the two countries’ growing relations.

The Consulate General will organise a number of sports and cultural events throughout the year besides high-ranking visits of the two countries’ leaders.

Particularly, the UK Week will take place in September to introduce and promote British trade, science, technology and culture in Vietnam, he added.-VNA