Queen of the Nile: Performers from Egypt's Nuba Drums troupe perform in Ha Noi to promote Egyptian tourism and culture. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Duc

HAI PHONG (VNS) — A dancer gracefully slipped the flags of Viet Nam and Egypt from under his costume and held them up while he continued to rotate in an endless circular dance.

That was the highlight of a performance by the Egyptian folk art troupe Nuba Drums to celebrate the 49th anniversary of Viet Nam and Egypt diplomatic relations and promote Egyptian tourism, held yesterday at Sheraton Hotel, Ha Noi.

The performance was joined by artists from the Vietnamese national circus.

The troupe of 16 musicians, singers and dancers came to Viet Nam on Friday. They gave a free performance on Sunday night at the Cong Nhan (Workers) Theatre, Ha Noi, and will have another one at the Hai Phong City Opera House tonight.

Nuba Drums was established in 1990. They use traditional Egyptian instruments to perform folk songs and dances. They have received many awards in Egypt and abroad. This is the first time they have performed in Viet Nam.

On the occasion, representatives from Egypt's tourism offices met with Vietnamese travel agents as well as the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism to enhance the co-operation between the two countries in the field.

"Egypt, the largest emerging democracy in the Middle East, is ready now more than any other time, especially now that all tourism cities, destinations, and attractions are fully secured, to receive millions of tourists from all over the world," said Egyptian Ambassador to Viet Nam Reda El-Taify.

"Egypt, with its generous people, unique geographical position, and moderate weather most of the year, welcomes you to visit its attractions. We have an old proverb that says whoever comes to visit Egypt and drinks from the Nile River shall return to visit it again, so Egypt welcomes you on your first and upcoming visits," he said.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Performing Arts Department and the Embassy of Egypt in Ha Noi co-organised the event. — VNS