HA NOI (VNS)  — A German cultural festival on March 28 kicks off a series of cultural activities marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Viet Nam.

The festival will feature concerts by German band Raggabund, gastronomy exchanges and seminars. It will be followed by a German film festival in September.

"The events aim to give the public a panorama of Germany and promote the diplomatic relations between the two countries," said Jutta Frasch, German ambassador to Viet Nam.

A special beer line called Dai Viet Pilsner made by Vietnamese corporation Huong Sen with special ingredients imported from Germany was officially launched yesterday to mark the anniversary. .— VNS