Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman on January 18 handed over information boards introducing the Thang Long Royal Citadel to Hanoi People’s Committee.

A gate of Thang Long Royal Citadel.

Images and information on the boards, which is written in both Vietnamese and English, are the results of long-time coordination between William Logan, an Australian expert on heritage, and the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Preservation Centre.

Designed and produced in Australia, these boards meet international standards in terms of language, format and location.

The boards are expected to make it easier for domestic and foreign tourists to explore cultural and historical values of the UNESCO-recognised Thang Long Royal Citadel.

Addressing the event, Hugh Borrowman described the boards as a gift Australia presents to Hanoi and one of the symbols of the time-honoured friendship between Australia and Vietnam.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hong Son thanked the Australian Government and people for their sentiments towards the capital city and especially their contributions to preserving and upholding values of the relic site.

The official noted his hope for more support from the Australian Embassy in all areas, particularly in the work.

The citadel was built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty to mark the independence of Dai Viet, the former name of Vietnam. The central sector of the imperial citadel was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Site on July 31, 2010.

VNA