“Vietnamese Cultural Days in South Africa” began in Pretoria on August 31 to celebrate the 64 th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (Sept. 2) and the 16 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (Dec. 22).

Addressing the opening ceremony, South African Ambassador to Vietnam Ratutatsi Super Meloi expressed his hope that through such event, friendship and cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam would be further developed, contributing to expanding bilateral relations in many fields, including culture.

Nguyen Hai Anh, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnamese head delegate to the event, stated that despite geographical distance, both experienced years of struggling for national liberation and fighting racial discrimination.

He expressed his belief that the Vietnamese Cultural Days in South Africa was a good opportunity to introduce the Vietnamese people and land with their culture to the South African people.

On August 31, an art performance with Vietnamese songs, dances and music and a fashion show of “Ao Dai” (Vietnamese traditional dress) were held at the State Theatre in Pretoria .

The same day, several films of Vietnam were screened at the hall of the University of South Africa .

The Vietnamese Cultural Days in South Africa will run until Sept. 2./.