The first activity of the week was an Italian culture fair held at Ly Thai To Park. At this event, the space of a square in Italy was created, helping visitors experience the cuisine and wine along with latest fashion designs in the European nation.

The week through December 4 will also feature a music show by Italian band Amici and students of the Hanoi University, a programme introducing the Renaissance culture, an exhibition of Laura Federici’s paintings, and film screening.

At the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular always wants to be a friend and a partner of all countries around the world, including Italy.

Through the Italy-ASEAN Week, Hanoians and foreign tourists can experience the Italian culture and gain an insight into the country’s history and people. The week is a practical activity on the threshold of the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic relations in early 2018, he noted.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Cecilia Piccioni said activities popularising her country’s culture are held concurrently in the capital cities of seven ASEAN countries with a view to promoting diplomatic ties and introducing identities of Italy’s culture, country and people to ASEAN nations.-VNA