VietNamNet Bridge – The European Week was launched in Hanoi last Friday with a discussion on the history of the Treaties of Rome at the Goethe institute, with the participation of Prof. Henri Menudier from the Sorbonne 2 University and the six ambassadors of the six original signatory countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands).

The event is organized by the Delegation of the European Commission to Vietnam, the European Cultural Centers and the embassies of the EU Member States, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of Treaties of Rome, the founding charter of what has become the European Union.

This program not only demonstrates what this milestone means in the European Union and beyond, but also exemplifies the richness and breadth of EU-Vietnam relations, which far transcend the political, commercial and co-operation issues.

The program includes a European Gala Evening on March 23-24 at the Hanoi Opera House which will feature a repertoire of opera arias and some of the best compositions from Europe, performed by two well-known opera singers from the United Kingdom, Bradley Daley and Kylie Pointer, as well as Austro-Romanian solo cellist Yvonne Timoianu; a discussion on the significance of the anniversary and the future of the EU; the screening of the renowned film "One Day in Europe" (March 27-29 at Megastar Cineplex); a Belgian-French cartoon exhibition (from March 20 at L'Espace); and a piano concert by a famous Spanish artist (March 30 at Hanoi Opera House).

Markus Cornaro, ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Vietnam, said, "We are very happy to see that the progressive enlargement of the Union has gone hand-in-hand with the strengthening and broadening of our relations with Vietnam.

The historic enlargements in 2004 and on the 1st of January this year have brought countries into the EU with which Vietnam has historic ties, thus giving EU-Vietnam relations a further boost.

As you will see in this program, our relations go beyond the commercial; cooperation and political agenda. Public diplomacy and cultural programs are also doing much to increase understanding between our peoples and cultures."

Following the EU 50th anniversary program the Delegation, in collaboration with Member States Embassies and Cultural Centers, will organize the now traditional "Europe Days" cycle of events, which will commence in the last week of April and last until the end of May.

As usual, this program promises to be a unique and high-quality component of Vietnam's cultural calendar in 2007.

(Source: SGT)