The delegates and artists at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien, 12th PCC member and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized that culture plays a significant role in international integration. It connects people, creates a foundation for peace and a motive for the development of other sectors.
According to the him, this is the first Vietnam Cultural Week organized in Canada since the two countries established bilateral relations.
Through the event, various activities such as art performances, photo, film and tourism exhibitions will form a friendship bridge between the two peoples and help Canadian people understand more about the land, people and culture of Vietnam, thus strengthening the foundation and developing the comprehensive partnership established by the Prime Ministers of the two countries.
Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ian Shugart stressed that the two countries have long-term friendship, especially with visits of high-ranking leaders, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Vietnam in November 2017 to attend the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Canada to attend the G7 Outreach Summit in Quebec in June 2018
In addition, the two countries also have active results in bilateral trade exchange and education cooperation. Vietnam is Canada’s largest trade partner in ASEAN and also has the 5th largest number of overseas Vietnamese students in the country.
During the event, dozens of special photos, among more than 1,000 photos entered into the photo contest “Vietnam through Canadian friends’ eyes” launched by the Vietnamese Embassy, are also exhibited. Each photo is a story, a message and the love of Canadian friends for the country and people of Vietnam.
The event will end on September 17th./.