An arts programme and an exhibition of paintings featuring Vietnam’s unique culture were opened to the Japanese public on September 13 to promote friendship and cooperation with Japan and international friends.

The programme, named ‘Vietnam’s Flavour and Beauty’, was jointly organised by Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Vietnam’s Embassy in Japan. It is part of the ‘2012 Vietnam-Japan Meeting,’ which is currently taking place until September 17 in Tokyo and Fukuoka prefecture. It will prepare for the 40th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan that will be held in 2013.

As part of the event showcasing the nation’s cultural identity, a fashion show of Vietnam’s charming long traditional dresses will also take place.

Japanese guests to the event included President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hirofumi Hirano and President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Alliance Tsutomu Takebe.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son said that the event would spotlight Vietnam’s wish to step up mutual understanding between both peoples and strengthen friendship between both countries.-VNA