Around 100 Vietnamese students from elementary and secondary schools in Ho Chi Minh City recently took part in a painting contest which was meant to celebrate the friendship between Viet Nam and the U.S.

Hong Bao Tran, a seventh grader from Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, is seen with her painting that won first prize in a contest

Young contestants were encouraged to create their own artwork which reflects their understanding of the diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the U.S. on A3-size paper sheets over 150 minutes.

Candidates chose one of two themes, including the Viet Nam-U.S. friendship and the desire for peace around the world.

The contest was organized on August 16 by the Ho Chi Minh City General Sciences Library in collaboration with Kizciti, a local playground for children.

It was intended to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations (1995 - 2015) and the 20th establishment anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh City-San Francisco friendship.

According to the organizers, all 52 winning paintings have been exhibited at the Children's Reading Room of the Ho Chi Minh City General Sciences Library, at 69 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1 for one week.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)