The outgoing diplomat was awarded the Friendship Order in Hanoi on June 27 for his contribution to developing cooperative relations between Vietnam and the EU in recent years.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vice Foreign Minister Le Cong Phung emphasized that Vietnam is gradually integrating into the world’s economy and has received trust and acclaim from international friends, especially the successful organization of major international events such as the 5^th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM V) in 2004 and Vietnam’s entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in January 2007.

As a result, Vietnam-EU cooperative relations have developed well in all fields, enjoying valuable assistance from European friends, the EC Delegation and especially Ambassador Markus Cornaro.

Mr Phung expressed his wish that Ambassador Cornaro would continue to help Vietnam, be a good friend and act as a bridge between Vietnam and the EU after he ended his term of office in Vietnam.