Europe Days to bring together Vietnam, EU

Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the Delegation of the European Union in Vietnam (in the middle) addressing at the press conference

Nhan Dan Online – The ‘Europe Days 2014′ programme will open a window into the richness of the European Union’s different cultural traditions with inspiring performances and information activities.

Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the Delegation of the European Union in Vietnam, made the remark at a press conference held in Hanoi this morning.

“The European Union continues to strengthen linkages and build bridges between the peoples of the European Union and Vietnam, across the board. Cultural exchange and public diplomacy activities in the ‘Europe Days’ programme are an important part of these efforts”, he said.

This year’s programme opens in Hanoi on May 9, promising to delight visitors with a series of unique activities which will be held not only in the large cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, but also in Hue, Dak Lak and Ha Long.

The Bavarian Youth Jazz Band, under the artistic direction of Harald Rüschenbaum, will inaugurate the event with two jazz concerts at Hanoi Opera House on May 9 and 10. The band, considered one of the most brilliant in Germany, will also perform in Ho Chi Minh City on May 11.

The music scence of ‘Europe Days 2014′ will be enriched by a performance in Hanoi by Trio Alicja Smietana from Poland.

In addition to the musical performances, the programme includes a wide range of cultural activities to please people of all ages, such as ‘European Literature Days‘, ‘European Film Festival’ and EU-Vietnam friendly football matches for children.

The ’2014 European Literature Days’, to be held at the Goethe Institute from May 22-25, will introduce Vietnamese readers to new books from nine European countries. Two films adapted from novels will also be screened.

Vietnamese audiences will also have the chance to enjoy 14 films by European filmmakers at the annual ‘European Film Festival’ in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang from May 16-31. The festival promises a fantastic odyssey through Europe via silver screen.

Under the framework of the ‘Europe Days 2014′ programme, a series of seminars to promote a better understanding of the European Union and the importance of the Vietnam-EU relations, a round-table discussion on gender equality, a seminar on enhancing Vietnam-EU trade and investment relations, and a series of talks between EU ambassadors and Vietnamese students will also be held.

Speaking at the press conference, Ambassador Jessen said he hopes the Vietnamese people will support the eleventh edition of this annual event, which is intended to boost cultural exchange and strengthen relations between Vietnam and the EU.

THUY LINH

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