Audiences can take a photographic trip to Russia at the Glimpse on Russia exhibition on show at 45 Trang Tien Street in Ha Noi. The exhibition features about 100 photographs highlighting the beauty of the Russian landscape, architecture and the people.

Part of the exhibition celebrates the long-standing co-operation and friendship between Russia and Viet Nam.

Veteran photographer Pham Tien Dung has more than 10 photos displayed at the exhibition. He says he took the photos while studying and working in Russia.

“I was inspired by the peaceful landscapes and upright people in Russia,” he said. “Russian and Vietnamese people have a strong attachment to each other that is difficult to explain.”

The one-week long exhibition is jointly organised by the VNA, Russian ITAR-TASS Agency and the Russian Embassy.

The book, entitled “Cuisine Identities of Thang Long-Hanoi,” is being written by Dr. Nguyen Nha, Head of the Institute of

The writer said he had to look up age-old documents and visit families who lived in Hanoi long ago for materials in his book.

In an effort to help the world know more about Vietnamese foods, the institute has launched a programme entitled “Jointly prepare Vietnamese foods for the world.”

Under the programme, the institute offers courses for foreigners who want to learn how to cook Vietnamese dishes and Vietnamese people who plan to go overseas for work and study. In addition, the institute collaborates with enterprises sending Vietnamese cooking utensils and usage abroad.

Music lovers enjoyed songs about Hanoi performed by artists from the Vietnam Song Dance and Music Theatre.

They also had chance to meet with a number of successful Vietnamese businesses in Germany, who all expressed a great love for Hanoi.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Do Hoa Binh said at the ceremony that these songs reflect the Vietnamese people’s feelings towards their capital city.

The Ambassador added that a Vietnamese cultural festival will be held in Berlin at the end of this month to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Germany.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh emphasised the long-lasting solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba.

Cuban Culture Minister Abel Prieto said that the organisation of the Vietnam Week in Cuba is a chance for both Vietnamese and Cuban people, particularly the youth, to increase cultural exchange. The event also marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, the 120th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and the millennium anniversary of Hanoi.

Also on the same day, a photo exhibition themed “Vietnam: Land and people” opened at the Cuban Revolutionary Museum. On display are nearly 100 photos, depicting solidarity, fraternal friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, as well as Vietnam’s culture, people, landscapes, economic achievements in Doi moi process, industrialisation and modernsation.

During the Vietnam Week in Cuba, which lasts till June 3 and is organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy, a Vietnam film week also takes place.