(VNA) - The Israeli Embassy in Vietnam, in conjunction with the National Academy of Music, held a performance in Hanoi on Thursday to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties on July 12^th and the 65^th Independence Day of Israel. At the event, Ambassador Meirav Shahar conveyed Israeli President Simon Peres’ message to the Vietnamese State and people, which said that Israel highly values bilateral relations with Vietnam and will continue making every effort to expand the relationship. Shahar said that the embassy will work closely with other authorized agencies to organize more cultural and diplomatic events in 2013, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties.