HA NOI — Delegates of the 30th Congress of the International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP) at the final session in Ha Noi yesterday voted for Spain as the host of the 31st congress in 2012.
The Spanish representative of the federation (FIAP) presented images of Majorca, the largest island and a popular tourist destination in Spain, which would be venue for the 31st congress.
Representatives of Crete Island (Greece) summarised results of the second photo meeting of the federation last year, while photographers from Indonesia presented a plan for the third photo meeting next year, in Bali.
"The unexpected success of the first two photo meetings, Sicily 2007 and Crete 2009, has effectively convinced the directory board that such an event, and especially the spirit of the event itself, had to come within the congress, making the photo meeting an integral part of it," said FIAP general secretary Riccardo Busi.
"Going around, shooting together, having more time to talk about our common passion, having the opportunity to admire the work of different authors, this will help us to better understand our photographic cultures. These are the goals to be achieved through photo meetings," Busi said.
Busi emphasised the value of the congress in enabling members "to understand each other, hold each other in high esteem and count ourselves as friends to achieve our dreams".
Vu Quoc Khanh, president of the Viet Nam Association of Photographic Artists, organiser of the congress, expected that international friends enjoy the time in Viet Nam.
"Although one week is not long, we had wonderful time to make friends, exchange experience and share our passion," he says.
The 30th congress marked 15 years on the directory board for Jacques Denis, the federation's vice president. He retired after 35 years with the federation now.
"Becoming a member of FIAP is among the most meaningful things in my life," he said. "I retired but that doesn't mean I leave FIAP. I will join activities if it's possible."
The closing ceremony was celebrated as the 60th anniversary of the federation. — VNS