Nguyen The Thao, former Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, received the “Bene Merito” Order, granted by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on January 19 for his contributions to the growing friendship between Poland and Vietnam.

Nguyen The Thao - former Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee.

At the presentation ceremony, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska said the ex-chairman, who is among alumni at Poland’s Krakow polytechnic university, has supported various activities organised by her country in Vietnam.

The assistance, particularly his ideas to promote Poland’s culture, has contributed to fostering the ties between the two countries, she added.

Nguyen The Thao expressed his thankfulness for the honour and pledged to continue making efforts to boost the bilateral relations and the development of Poland, which he considers his second hometown.

Vietnam and Poland established diplomatic ties in 1950.

VNA