Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Vu Anh Quang (R) presents the Friendship Order to Pierre Grega, Chairman of the Belgium – Vietnam Friendship Association

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Brussels on October 19,Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Vu Anh Quang, who was authorized by Party GeneralSecretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong to present the Order, said theFriendship Order is the highest honour the State of Vietnam gives to foreignindividuals and groups who have made tremendous contributions to the promotionof friendship between Vietnam and other countries.

Quang stated the association and its chairman have madegreat contributions to Vietnam’s development via support for needy people and victimsof Agent Orange/dioxin. The two have also worked to build mutual trust,understanding, and friendship between Vietnamese and Belgian people, he added.

Hoping such efforts will continue, the diplomat said theembassy will stand side by side with the association to boost Vietnam – Belgiumrelations.

For his part, Pierre Grega said he was honoured to receivethe order, adding that it was an acknowledgement from the Vietnamese state ofhis association’s contributions.

He said the association plans to continue offeringscholarships to Vietnamese dioxin victims and to run a campaign calling for theBelgian Government and EU to urge China to respect international law as well asVietnam’s territorial sovereignty and legal interests in the East Sea./. VNA