(VOVworld) – The Vietnamese embassies in France and Portugal have held two programs to mark the 500^th anniversary of Vietnamese-Portugese diplomatic relations.

Vietnam’s ambassador to France and Portugal Nguyen Ngoc Son spoke at the program.

Vietnam’s ambassador to France and Portugal, Nguyen Ngoc Son, said diplomatic ties had been established 500 years ago when the first Portuguese arrived in the central region of Vietnam in 1516. 100 years later, Portuguese Francisco de Pina invented the basics of the Vietnamese language. Mr. Son said various activities such as stamp issuance and art performances in Lisbon, in Portugal have been held to mark the event: “Vietnamese-Portuguese diplomatic relations will further develop in the future, especially after Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Portugal on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of Vietnamese-Portugese diplomatic ties. Vietnamese art performances are applauded by the Portugese audience. Vietnam and Portugal will enjoy more opportunities to develop economic and political cooperation in the coming time”.