Italian President Sergio Mattarella on July 23 conferred the Order of Merit on Vietnamese outgoing Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

At a reception for Long in Rome, President Mattarella congratulated him on his successful assuming duty in Italy and appreciated his contribution to promoting bilateral strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation in all fields in recent times.

For his part, outgoing ambassador Long said he was very proud of receiving the noble order of Italy and sent his sincere thank to President Mattarella as well as Italian authorities for their support to enhancing strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy.

He pledged to do his utmost to strengthen bilateral ties in the coming times.

Long conveyed best regards from the Vietnamese Party and State leaders to President Mattarella. He also reiterated President Truong Tan Sang’s invitation to him to visit Vietnam in the coming times.

VOV