A wide range of cultural activities were held in Perth city, in the State of Western Australia, from November 28-30 by the Vietnamese consulate general to mark the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between 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 the presence of the troupe provided local people with an opportunity to enjoy unique Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry.

On November 29, artists from the troupe joined those from the Mesa musical group in the State in a musical show, which was organised by the consulate general in conjunction with the Spinifex Arts Company.

Catherin Driver, a representative from the Ministry of Culture of the State of Western Australia said the event is a good chance for Australian people to understanding more about the two countries’ folk songs and music and cultural heritages.

Spinifex Director, Musician David Morgan, who used to live and work in Vietnam’s southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau said he loved Vietnam immediately after he set his foot in the country.

He published his first record named “Hello Vietnam” with four songs about Vietnam. The musician plans to continue the music project in the coming time to introduce more Vietnam’s regions and localities.

On November 30, the Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe participated in the festiva l “Happy River” in Canning city. The programme drew a great number of Australian parliamentarians and officials, local people and overseas Vietnamese and students living and studying in the area.

Reynolds described Vietnam as a beautiful and friendly country, while calling on Australian to consider the country as the first destination in their list of favourite tourism sites.

During the activities, Vietnamese consul general Le Viet Duyen highlighted the great development in the relations between the two countries over the four decades in the fields of economics, politics, education, science-technology, security and defence.

Duyen affirmed that the cultural exchange and cooperation activities will help Australian people understand more about Vietnam’s country, people and cultural character, thus contributing to strengthening and deepening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, which was established in 2009.-VNA