More than 5,000 Hanoians and 1,000 delegates representing foreign embassies and friendship organisations in Vietnam attended a Cultural Festival for Peace in Hanoi on November 5 to welcome the upcoming 14th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Vietnam’s WTO accession.
The festival began with a procession by representatives from mass organisations, international friendship organisations and students of universities located in Hanoi. It was followed by 60 vehicles carrying the logo of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and posters featuring high-quality products and trademarks produced by local and foreign enterprises in Hanoi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hanoi Mayor Nguyen Quoc Trieu said through the event, Hanoi would like to send the message of peace to all nations, cities and people around the world.
“The administration and people of Hanoi will do their utmost to promote peace, solidarity, friendship and sustainable development,” said Mr Trieu.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hu Qianwen said the hosting of the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the entry into the World Trade Organisation showed Vietnam’s increasing role and position in the international arena.
“We believe that with the great efforts made by the Party, Government and people of Vietnam, the 14th APEC Meeting will be a success,” said the Chinese Ambassador.
The same day, Hanoi’s Thang Long Ornamental Tree Association organised an exhibition highlighting close links between ornamental trees and the traditional culture of Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi). More than 1,000 ornamental trees in different forms are on display at King Ly Thai To Flower Garden, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (the Temple of Literature and the first Vietnamese University), Indira Ghandi Park and King Quang Trung Monument Area.
Photos and paintings featuring Hanoi’s traditional culture are also on display at King Ly Thai To Flower Garden. Hanoi will celebrate its 1,000th anniversary in 2010.
