A photo exhibition that showcases the beauty of China and Vietnam opened at Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi on Monday as part of endeavors to strengthen the traditional friendship.

Themed of "good neighborliness and common development", a great many of photos taken by both countries' photographers presented the two countries' natural scenery, history, culture and their business and cultural exchanges.

The photos also display the collaboration fruits of the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's "two corridors and one ring" initiative.

As President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will travel to Da Nang of Vietnam for the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to the country, "it makes the exhibition of great significance", said Guo Weimin, vice-minister of the State Council Information Office.

China and Vietnam are linked by rivers and mountains, and enjoy geographical proximity and cultural affinity, he said, the high-level visits between both parties and countries are very frequently in recent years, and fruitful results have been achieved in various areas including trade and economy, culture, education and tourism.

Nguyen Hoai Duong, deputy general director of Vietnam News Agency said in a speech that President Xi's visit will be an important milestone of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and China, and hoped that the visit could bring new driving force for the development of APEC.

The photo exhibition is a vivid reflection of cooperation between the two countries' news agencies, and will further enhance mutual understanding between two peoples and make positive contribution to bilateral ties, he said.

Later in the day, more than 500 audience from China and Vietnam watched a singing and dancing show that presented the beauty of both countries' music and art in Hanoi.

Songs and flute performances by both countries' artists won warm applause from the audience and finally ended in a collective song of Vietnam-China.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn