US soldiers take part in a joint exercise called African Lion in Grier Labouihi, Morocco. (Photo: AFP/VNA) U.S.-led forces are conducting the operation joint exercise with Morocco, entitled “ African lion .” According to the Africa Command (AFRICOM) under the US Department of Defense, more than 7,000 troops come from 9 countries and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). NATO ) is participating in the exercise that started on June 8 and is expected to end on June 18. In a notice posted on the website, AFRICOM confirmed that this is the largest exercise of this force. The exercise aims to enhance combat readiness for the US and partner countries. The exercise was conducted mainly across Morocco, from Kenitra Air Base in the north to the Tan Tan and Guerir Labouhi training grounds in the south. The exercise includes many contents, including training on land, in the air and at sea; tactical simulation; training in commanding and combating violent extremist organizations; defense in cyberspace. In recent days, the soldiers have participated in many activities, including patrolling off the Canary Islands of Spain and the air force conducting training exercises. Africa Lion 2021 is one of the large-scale exercises co-organized and directed by AFRICOM and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces aimed at enhancing cooperation and training, interoperability and promoting cooperation. promote the exchange of experience and knowledge between different military units to achieve the best combat ability.

The Exhibition of Ornamental Creatures Festival has just taken place in Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi. The most unique here is a set of tables and chairs “Cuu Lan gathers” made of Nu Khoai wood by Mr. Long Nhat in Nghe An with the price of up to 2.8 billion. Each arm of the 4 single chairs is chiseled by artisans with many elaborate and meticulous motifs. “Nu wood is born from the ‘injuries’ of ancient trees. The types of trees with tumors or rough exteriors are very rare”, Mr. Nhat shared. According to him, “Cuu Lan gathers” means there are 9 unicorns on the table and chairs, of which 8 are in 4 chairs and one at the head of the table. To make this set of tables and chairs takes about 2 years, especially the stage of finding embryos is the most difficult and difficult. The main table is about 3 meters long. On the table is a statue of Maitreya Buddha sitting under a pine tree with his back leaning against a stone. At the foot of the statue are decorative details gilded. After 11 days of display at the exhibition, although many giants were interested and asked for the price, the furniture set worth 2.8 billion still has no owner. Currently, the set of tables and chairs “Cuu Lan gathers” continues to be displayed at an exhibition in Bac Giang. The second highest price in the exhibition is a set of tables and chairs made of Hoang Long jade originating from Myanmar for sale for 1.6 billion VND. It is known that the table and chairs are crafted by artisans both by hand and by machine and put together with iron tenons and bearing glue. The front and back of the chair have many delicate patterns. In addition, a set of furniture made from Lao ebony owned by Mr. Nguyen Van Tieu in Dong Ky, Bac Ninh is also one of the most expensive decorative items in the exhibition. According to the owner of this set of tables and chairs, it takes half a year to make a product with meticulous and sophisticated carvings. “The drying stage of Lao ebony wood is the most time consuming stage,” said Mr. Tieu. Standing and admiring each piece of furniture for a long time, Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan (Hoai Duc, Hanoi) shared: “I am an antiques player and often go to exhibitions. However, this is It’s the first time I’ve seen such a beautiful and marvelously carved table and chair set. I think this ebony furniture set costing a billion dong is totally worth it.”