President Ho Chi Minh paid an official friendly visit to Indonesia from February 27 to March 3, 1959, his first to a Southeast Asian country. Just three months later, he welcomed Indonesian President Sukarno on an official visit to Vietnam, between June 24 and 29. The two historical visits laid a foundation for bilateral ties between Vietnam and Indonesia.

VOV President Nguyen The Ky speaks at the awards ceremony

The contest was first launched in Indonesia during September 18 to October 18 this year, in which Rudi Hartono from Kalimanta island won  first prize. The contest in Vietnam received a strong response from across the country. VOV President Nguyen The Ky addressed the awards ceremony in Hanoi on Monday: "The contest saw the participation of contestants from all walks of life. The oldest contestant was 83 years old while the youngest was a student from Hanoi University. Many contestants expressed their love for Indonesia and honored the friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia and between President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno."

Contestant Tu Thanh Phong (C) wins a free 5-day trip to Indonesia

Many contestants showed their creativity and enthusiasm through beautiful handwriting and pictures while  others traveled  long distances to submit their entries. Tu Thanh Phong from Da Nang city won the grand prize of a  5-day trip for two to Indonesia. Phong said: "I’m very excited about the trip to Indonesia. I tried my best to learn about the topic despite having difficulties finding relevant documents and pictures. It took me a month to complete my entry." Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Ibnu Hadi said: "Vietnam and Indonesia have strong relations in politics, security, socio-economics, culture, education, and tourism, which might have begun from the initial historical visits by the two presidents."

A photo exhibition documenting the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Indonesia concluded in Hanoi on Friday.