hoto shows a performance of traditonal instruments at the art gala in the castle of Val Duchesse, Belgium.—VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— An art gala celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Belgium has been held in the castle of Val Duchesse – a historic location in Brussels (Belgium).

The event on Wednesday night introduced traditional Vietnamese performances to the Belgium audience, including folk songs performed from a 16-stringed instrument, a 16-chord zither, a T'rung (similar to xilophone), and a Klong Put (a musical instrument of the Central Highlands).

To mark the occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg presented a stamp collection documenting the relationship between the two countries.

The collection consists of four samples, three designed in Viet Nam and the remaining in Belgium. Two of Viet Nam's designs depict images of late General Vo Nguyen Giap.

"I really enjoyed the performance of Vietnamese traditional music," said Lucere Callebaut, who has visited Viet Nam a couple of times.

"In particular, the stamp collection was really interesting."

Speaking at the gala, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Didiers Reyders, expressed his appreciation of the co-operation between the two countries in economics, trade, training and education, and health.

He affirmed the potential for co-operation in areas agreed by the two nations, including technological development, green technology, logistical services and sea port development. He also praised the idea of organising Viet Nam Week in Belgium with activities to celebrate the mutual relationship.

Viet Nam Week in Belgium featured a range of activities from antique exhibitions, photo exhibitions, workshops on Viet Nam and Belium, and promotions of Viet Nam's cinema and art industries.—VNS