HCMCITY— A new exhibition of more than 70 photographs featuring the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands, its people and soldiers opened yesterday at the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) representative office in HCM City. 

The event is part of VNA’s cultural activities to celebrate  Việt Nam Journalism Day on June 21.

The photos were selected from latest collections by seven reporters of the VNA, including veteran photographer Phạm Tiến Dũng, former head of the VNA’s photo editing staff.

The works are the result of reporters’ fact-finding trips to Trường Sa islands last month, where they lived and worked with people and soldiers.

The highlights include photos featuring peaceful villages, beautiful trees, soldiers and people in daily life.

“We were full of emotion about the lives and the intimate friendships with the soldiers and people in Trường Sa. After the trip, our heart is still attached to the islands.

“Our photos are our thanks to Trường Sa’s people and soldiers, who have worked to defend the sovereignty of the country’s sea and islands,” said photographer Dũng at the opening ceremony.  

“For those who have not or have experienced the salty taste of Trường Sa, we hope our photos will  help them learn more about the islands and soldiers, and help them become more patriotic as well,” he said.

The exhibition is open every day from 8am to 7pm at 116-118 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, District 3. It will run until July 1.--VNS