Pham Sanh Chau, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium from 2011-2014, has been presented with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of the Kingdom of Belgium, first class, in recognition of his significant contributions to enhancing the two countries’ friendship and cooperation.

Nearly 150 guests, including ambassadors in Hanoi and representatives from ministries, sectors and localities with cooperative ties to Belgium participated in the award ceremony in the capital city on June 23.

Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Bruno Angelet said the two countries’ cooperation has developed comprehensively since they established diplomatic ties 42 years ago.

He highlighted Chau’s remarkable contributions to the two nations’ cooperation in politics, economics, culture and education during his tenure in Belgium from 2011 to 2014.

Pham Sanh Chau, who is currently Head of the External Relations Culture Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his honour to receive the award and said he believes the Vietnam-Belgium friendship and multi-faceted cooperation would continue to expand for peace, stability and cooperation in the region and beyond.

VNA