A photography contest and exhibition entitled “Vietnam-US relations and the US through Vietnamese photographers’ eyes” were launched in Hanoi on October 15 as part of a series of events to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties next year (July 12,1995-2015).

The event was co- organised by The Vietnam-US Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisation (VUFO) together with Vietnam Television (VTV4) and The Vietnam-USA Magazine.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Chairman of The Vietnam–US Association Nguyen Tam Chien said the contest and exhibition sought to promote bilateral relations between Vietnam and the USA.

The contest aims to praise the high quality of photography and boost Vietnam-US relations through showing Vietnamese photographers’ views on the country and the realms of politics, diplomacy, the economy, society, cultural identity, and nature. The organising board invited photographers to submit photographs taken since 1995.

Deputy Public Affairs officer at the US Embassy in Hanoi, Michael Turner, in turn highlighted the sound ties between the two countries, as proven by the success of the meeting between President of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang and US President Barack Obama in 2013. He believed the ties would be developed further in the near future, especially with the upcoming celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations.

Vietnamese citizen and overseas nationals are encouraged to participate in the competition. Information and registration forms can be accessed online at from vietpeace.org.vn and VAPA.vn.

The winners will be announced in an awards ceremony on July 3, 2015 in Hanoi, with the 100 best photos being exhibited in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and a US city from July 3 -14, 2015.-VNA