A photo exhibition is underway at Bajra Sandhi Monument in Bali to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Its launching ceremony was livestreamed on the official website and Youtube channel of the culture service centre of Bali on December 15.

Megawati Sukarnoputri, former Indonesian President and President of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

Welcoming the exhibition via a pre-recorded remark, Megawati Sukarnoputri, former Indonesian President and President of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) said the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties is significant to the enduring development of the friendship between the two peoples as they share an eternal aspiration for freedom and independence.

She also recalled her memories about the friendship between her late father and President of Indonesia Soekarno and Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, saying both leaders have exceptional qualities, embodying the two nations’ struggle for independence.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Pham Vinh Quang.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Pham Vinh Quang highlighted the special friendship between the two leaders, which has laid foundation for a long-standing relationship between the two countries.

Bali mayor Wayan Koster voiced his hope that the friendship between the two peoples can help strengthen the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership in the areas of economy, education, culture and tourism. Bali welcomes all Vietnamese who visit the island for tourist, economic or cultural exchange purposes, he said.

The exhibition features photos and screening of documentaries about the historic visit of President Ho Chi Minh to Indonesia and visit of President Soekarno to Vietnam in 1959 as well as important milestones in the two countries’ bilateral relations.

A virtual gallery is also set up to showcase 230 photos about the two leaders’ visits to each other, the 65-year journey of the bilateral ties and Vietnam’s history, culture and nature.

The exhibition, running through December 20, is part of a series of events to celebrate the Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic ties, including a logo design contest; a seminar on tourism, trade and investment; photo exhibitions in Yogyakarta and Bali and screening of a documentary on the two countries’ 65-year relations on Indonesia’s national television./.VNA