Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Hanoi Moi (New Hanoi) newspaper editor-in-chief, Ho Quang Loi emphasied on the national scale of the contest, which wil run until October, 2010.

This is the first overseas contest aimed at encouraging participants to learn more about the history of the ancient city of Thang Long, now Hanoi as well as Vietnam’s people and culture.

The contest in Laos is expected to contribute to strengthening the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Also on November 4, representatives from the Hanoi Moi newspaper and the New Vientiane newspaper signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting their cooperation through the exchange of visits, personnel training and new technologies.

The two newspaper also agreed to work together to prepare for celebrations of the millennial anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and the 450^th anniversary of Vientiane to increase public awareness both countries’ land and people.