A festival was held in Germany’s capital, Berlin, on September 8 in a bid to popularise the images of the countries and people of the Greater Mekong sub-region (GMS).

The biennial event, co-organised by Albert-Einstein University and the German friendship association with GMS countries, also aimed to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the regional member states.

At the event, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association Wilfried Lulei delivered a speech on Vietnam’s recent achievements and the challenges faced by the country.

Vietnam ’s biggest advantages, he said, are stable political situation and a raising position in the region and the world.

However, he also warned Vietnam of the negative impacts of the global economic crisis on the country, whose development relies much on exports.

Dr. Jörg Adler, an activist in preserving wild animals in Vietnam also shared his interesting experiences during the tens of times he has worked in the country.

Participants at the festival enjoyed a host of performances by artists from Cambodia , Laos , Thailand and Vietnam .

A photo exhibition themed “Lives along the Mekong River ”, to run until October 25, has also attracted many visitors.-VNA