A wide range of cultural activities were held in Perth city, in theState of Western Australia, from November 28-30 by the Vietnameseconsulate general to mark the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic tiesbetween the two countries.
The first event was an introductory ceremony of Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe in Canning city.
Speaking at the event, the city’s mayor Linton Reynolds said thepresence of the troupe provided local people with an opportunity toenjoy unique Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry.
OnNovember 29, artists from the troupe joined those from the Mesa musicalgroup in the State in a musical show, which was organised by theconsulate general in conjunction with the Spinifex Arts Company.
Catherin Driver, a representative from the Ministry of Culture ofthe State of Western Australia said the event is a good chance forAustralian people to understanding more about the two countries’ folksongs and music and cultural heritages.
SpinifexDirector, Musician David Morgan, who used to live and work in Vietnam’ssouthern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau said he loved Vietnam immediatelyafter he set his foot in the country.
He publishedhis first record named “Hello Vietnam” with four songs about Vietnam.The musician plans to continue the music project in the coming time tointroduce more Vietnam’s regions and localities.
OnNovember 30, the Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe participated in thefestiva l “Happy River” in Canning city. The programme drew a greatnumber of Australian parliamentarians and officials, local people andoverseas Vietnamese and students living and studying in the area.
Reynolds described Vietnam as a beautiful and friendly country, whilecalling on Australian to consider the country as the first destinationin their list of favourite tourism sites.
During theactivities, Vietnamese consul general Le Viet Duyen highlighted thegreat development in the relations between the two countries over thefour decades in the fields of economics, politics, education,science-technology, security and defence.
Duyenaffirmed that the cultural exchange and cooperation activities will helpAustralian people understand more about Vietnam’s country, people andcultural character, thus contributing to strengthening and deepening thecomprehensive partnership between the two countries, which wasestablished in 2009.-VNA