The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations of Hanoi hosted an international art performance at the Hanoi Opera House on Dec. 12 to welcome the New Year 2012.

The show was designed to introduce the image of Hanoi - a city for peace, friendliness and hospitality to international friends and promote solidarity and mutual understanding between Hanoians and people around the world.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam El Houcine Fardani, who is also head of the diplomatic corp., said the event was a chance to enhance mutual understanding between the Vietnamese people and foreign diplomats. It also helped international friends learn about Vietnam’s culture and heritage.

The show featured performances by Russian children as well as singers, dancers and students from the Republic of Korea and Palestine, and Japan./.