VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem on May 18 in Hanoi presented the Friendship Order to outgoing UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam John Hendra for his contributions during his term of office in Vietnam.

At his meeting the same day, Deputy PM Khiem spoke highly of the UN official’s contributions to and important role in leading UN agencies in Vietnam to carry out effective cooperation programmes and activities with the Southeast Asian nation in the areas relating to economic development, settlement of social issues, poverty reduction, promotion of gender equality and environmental protection.

He acknowledged Hendra’s great efforts in promoting cooperation between Vietnam and the UN in recent years, especially in enhancing the One-UN Initiative.

Hendra, who is also chief representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), expressed his pride in receiving the Vietnamese State’s Friendship Order and highly valued the country’s achievements on socio-economic development and integration in recent years, as well as the Government’s support in coordinating with UN agencies, including the UNDP.

VietNamNet/VNA