This time, the recipient of the Order of Merit - Knight rank - is Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation. The honor was conferred by the Italian Embassy to Vietnam at a ceremony held on the evening of January 6 at the Italian house, also known as Casa Italy, in Hanoi.
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Presenting Italy’s Order of Merit to Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa |
The Order of Merit, the highest honor bestowed by the Republic of Italy, recognizes Dr. Hoa’s exceptional contributions to fostering cultural cooperation between the two countries over the years. Dr. Hoa is also a standing member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association.
Speaking at the ceremony, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta highlighted the central role of culture in the relationship between Italy and Vietnam. Explaining the reasons for bestowing the Order of Merit on Dr. Hoa, Ambassador Marco Della Seta noted her significant contributions over more than 20 years of service in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. She has also been instrumental in developing and implementing bilateral cultural cooperation initiatives.
Among her notable achievements are playing a pioneering role in establishing Casa Italy in Hanoi, leading the development and signing of the Vietnam-Italy Cultural Cooperation Program for the 2023-2026 period, and organizing a special artistic program commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the Italian Presidential Palace.
Ambassador Marco Della Seta affirmed that this honor is not only the recognition of Dr. Hoa’s individual contributions but also strengthens the successful partnership for mutual benefit between Italy and Vietnam.
In turn, Dr. Hoa expressed her gratitude, stating that this prestigious award is not only a recognition of her personal efforts but also a testament to the dedication of the entire staff of the Department of International Cooperation, who have worked tirelessly to promote international exchanges and partnerships between Vietnam and other countries, including Italy.
She also emphasized that the award would serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for her and her colleagues at the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as they continue their mission to enhance and deepen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy.
Translated by Minh Anh