Crossing the divide: In addition to photos, the exhibition displays many handicrafts products from Panama such as wooden statues. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (VNS) — Panama's beautiful landscape and rich culture are being featured through at an exhibition that has opened in Ha Noi.

Many Vietnamese people only know about the country for its canal, but the exhibition will give visitors a chance to see lush tropical forests, wildlife, stunning beaches, skilful fine arts and colourful festivals.

The event, jointly held by the Embassy of Panama, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Library of Viet Nam, is part of the activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Themed: "Enjoy Panama", the exhibition will showcase photos introducing the country, people, historic relics and attractive destinations in Panama such as San Blas Island and the Bocass Del Sea.

Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to see handicrafts, beautiful jewellery and traditional costumes.

Ambassador Servio Sammodio expressed his delight at introducing Panama to the Vietnamese people, saying he hoped the exhibition would help visitors gain a deeper understanding of his country's people, culture and history.

The exhibition is divided into old and new Panama.

"In old Panama, we can appreciate images of our valued ruins to remember that our beautiful country has a great historical past where our loved Portobello was also recognised for its famous Ferias during the Pre-Columbian and colonial periods and where we received great assistance," he said.

In modern Panama, visitors can appreciate the country's economic growth, cultural diversity and beautiful sights. Many costumes, masks used in festivals and handicrafts are on display for the first time in Viet Nam.

Kieu Thuy Nga, director of the National Library, said the exhibition would help enhance the friendship and mutual understanding between Viet Nam and Panama, adding that the two countries had fostered their collaboration across economics, trade, investment, tourism and science-technology.

"The exhibition offers you a visual insight into the country," she said.

The exhibition will run until Friday at the National Library, 31 Trang Thi Street, Ha Noi. — VNS