HCM CITY (VNS)— Nearly 1,000 youths have attended the Viet Nam-UK Cultural Festival at the Hong Bang University in HCM City to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The event was co-organised on Saturday by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, the HCM City Viet Nam-UK Friendship Association and the British Consulate General in the city.

At the festival, Vietnamese culture was introduced through paintings, sculpture and the sandpictures of artist Tri Duc.

Displays were also held informing visitors about working culture in British companies and the UK's educational system and study opportunities.

Chairman of the Viet Nam-UK FriendshipAssociation in HCM City Huynh Ngoc An said that the cultural and educational activities would help improve mutual understanding between the two peoples, furthering their diplomatic ties, trade and other relations.

Stephen Agnew, UK Deputy Consul General in HCM City, said that the festival was proof of the growing relations between the partners.

The Consulate General will organise a number of sports and cultural events throughout the year, and high-ranking visits between the countries' leaders are expected to take place.-VNS