A photo exhibition on Hanoi and Belgium’s cities opened in Hanoi on July 16.

The event, organised by the Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association, is to mark the 179 th anniversary of Belgium’s National Day (July 21) and the 1,000 th birthday of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Prominent among the guests at the event were Belgium Deputy Ambassador Patrick de Bouck, vice chairman of the Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association Pham Manh Con, vice chairwoman of the Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Thi Hai and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.

On the occasion, Vietnamese representatives extended their congratulations to Belgium on its 179 th National Day. The two sides reviewed fine relations between the two countries over the past 40 years.

Vice chairman Con stressed the continuing development of bilateral ties, adding that in 2007-2010, Belgium has planned to provide 32 million EUR in official development assistance with priorities given to human resources development, water management and environmental protection.

Currently, Belgium is the fourth largest importer of Vietnamese goods in the European Union and ranks fifth among Vietnam’s exporters, he said.

Vice chairwoman Hai stressed that the meaningful event contributes to boosting cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries’ peoples.

For his part, Deputy Ambassador Patrick de Bouck said Vietnam and Belgium need to increase their exchanges on culture and education to bolster friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The event will run until July 18.