An ongoing photo exhibition depicting the Italy-Vietnam solidarity in the 1960s and 1970s shows past support and closeness providing a firm foundation for the two countries’ current growing ties.

Opened on June 14 in Italy’s city of Venice, the exhibition forms part of the “Vietnamese Days in Venice” under the “Vietnam Year in Italy ” programme to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic ties (1973-2013).

Venice Mayor Giorgio Orsoni described the exhibition a clear evidence of Vietnamese people’s strength, will and desire for freedom and development as well as the two countries’ solidarity.

He affirmed that Italy in general and Venice city in particular have always supported Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed that Vietnam’s current achievements are attributable to the wholehearted support of international friends, including Italian people.

Following recent cultural exchanges in the two countries’ cities, Vietnam’s upcoming activities in Venice will help intensify the two peoples’ solidarity and friendship, he said.

Apart from introducing Vietnamese cultural identities, the activities aim to applaud Italian people’s company with Vietnam over the past 40 years, Son added.

At the opening ceremony, “A message to Italian people” recorded in French by late President Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi in March, 1967, was replayed. The message conveyed his sincere thanks to Italian people for their help during Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation.

Other activities will also take place during the “Vietnamese Days in Venice”, including a film week, exhibitions of lacquered paintings and Vietnamese culture and a classical concert.-VNA