Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the path of 40 years Hanoi has associated with UNESCO Vietnam. He highly appreciated the important efforts and contributions made by Hanoi city in general, and the individuals who have received an award at the event in particular, in preserving and promoting heritage in the capital.

Chairman of the Vietnam Archaeology Association Associate Professor Dr Tong Trung Tin, who is one of the insignia recipients, said the decoration is a motivation for him to continue making contributions to researching, building and developing the capital city’s culture.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said Hanoi is the country’s first locality implementing assessment and classification of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. To date, the city has had five heritage recognised by UNESCO.

He affirmed Hanoi continues closely working with ministries and sectors as well as UNESCO office in Vietnam and while calling for the further involvement of scientists and experts in efforts to preserve and promote the city’s cultural and intangible cultural heritage. - VNA