HÀ NỘI — Cultural diversity and unity in the ASEAN Community are being celebrated at an exhibition that opened yesterday in Hà Nội.

The exhibition is divided into four parts: books on countries in the ASEAN Community in various genres such as tourism, politics and culture; photos and documentaries; 300 post stamps; and children’s paintings.

The paintings are the result of a contest launched in March in ASEAN countries. The organising board received 27,000 entries sent from member states. Đinh Thanh Phong, 7, from Hà Nội, won the top prize in Việt Nam for his painting In the Hands of Mother ASEAN. The exhibition displays award-winning paintings from contests held in Việt Nam, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Photos and reportage displayed at the exhibition were awarded at various festivals and contests organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications of Việt Nam.

The entries cover a variety of topics, from the beauty of scenery and people in ASEAN countries to environmental protection and the response to climate change. They all demonstrate high artistic quality.

The exhibition aims to promote ASEAN, celebrate the establishment of the ASEAN Community and benefits brought by the ASEAN Community, and celebrate ASEAN Day (August 8).

The ASEAN Community officially took shape last year with three pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community. This is a milestone in the bloc’s history as the regional peoples connect, share interests and develop on a new path.

“Through the exhibition, people will understand more about the cultures, people and living environment in ASEAN countries,” said Trương Minh Tuấn, minister of Information and Communications.

“The event also creates an opportunity for ASEAN member states to come closer together towards an ASEAN culture of identity, diversity and unity,” Tuấn said.

He also expected that Vietnamese people will join hands to build up ASEAN to become a community of peace, stability and development, as well as a people-centred society, raising awareness among residents of the ASEAN Community’s establishment. This is the result of 49 years of collaborative efforts from all member states, marking a milestone for establishing ASEAN, in which Việt Nam is considered an important factor, ensuring solidarity and unity.

The exhibition will run until Sunday at the National Library, 31 Tràng Thi Street, Hà Nội. — VNS