Delegates introduced to paintings done by children from Australia and Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A Friendship Exchange Programme was held in Hà Nội on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Việt Nam-Australia diplomatic relations (February 26).

Attending the event were more than 150 delegates from the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Việt Nam-Australia Friendship Association, the Australian Embassy, and Hà Nội authorities.

Vice Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền affirmed that the capital city always attached importance to its cooperation with Australian localities.

He expressed his belief that with efforts of the two governments and peoples along with the capital city of Hà Nội, the bilateral friendship and multifaceted collaboration will reap more benefit.

Australian Ambassador Andrew Goldzinowski said that the anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic ties offered a good chance for both countries to look back on gained achievements and look forward toward the future.

Australia was one of the first countries to set up relations with Việt Nam right after the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Việt Nam was signed in 1973. Over the past five decades, the relationship has developed sustainably, and gained impressive achievements, and the two countries are striving to upgrade it to a comprehensive strategic partnership level.

Within the framework of the programme, paintings drawn by Hà Nội students were showcased, featuring the Việt Nam-Australia friendship, and the beauty of the two countries and their capital cities. — VNS