(VOVworld) - The “Vietnam Open Festival 2013" has opened in London, as part of the program to mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the UK.

Attending the opening ceremony on Sunday was  Vu Quang Minh, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, Baron Powell, an honorary guest representing the British government, Ben Chapman, President of Friends of Vietnam Network, Len Aldis, President of the UK-Vietnam Friendship Association, representatives of the Vietnamese Association, ASEAN countries, and universities in London. The festival consisted of 40 booths displaying Vietnamese art, culture, costumes, cuisine, and music. Vietnamese businesses promoted Vietnamese brand-named ceramic and silk products.  

Vietnam and the UK have raised their relationship to the status of strategic partnership and recorded positive progress in various areas, particularly in economics, trade, investment, and education.