(VNF) – Chargé d’affaires of the Colombian Embassy in Vietnam Carlos Albán was presented the friendship medallion on April 11 in recognition for his contribution to bilateral ties of the two countries in mutli aspects.

Chargé d'affaires of Colombia to Vietnam Claudia Liliana Zambrano Naranjo, Ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and Spain attended the ceremony.

As the first Chargé d'affaires of Colombia to Vietnam beginning in February 2014, Carlos was in charge of setting up the Colombian embassy in Hanoi.

From those early days, he had unwaveringly put efforts in accelerating the operation of the embassy, as well as helping unleash the vast potentials for cooperations between two countries in the next phase.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc presenting the Friendship Medallion to former charge d’ affaires of Colombia (photo: Nguyễn Hồng)

During his 3-year tenure (Feb 2014 – Sep 2016), Carlos and his spouse put their hearts in fulfilling their roles as the trusted and dedicated friends of Vietnam, who helped foster the friendship and bilateral ties in a range of fields, from agriculture, tourism, education - training, to science – technology.

In recognition for his contribution to the growth of Vietnam - Colombia friendship, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, authorized by State president Tran Dai Quang, on April 11, presented the Friendship Medallion to former Chargé d'affaires of the Republic of Colombia in Vietnam Carlos Alban. The medallion is considered the most prestigious reward from the goverment of Vietnam. Specially, it marks the premier time the medallion is awarded to a Colombian citizen.

It is the acknowledgement of both the government and people of Vietnam for the precious dedications of Carlos in reinforcing multi faceted cooperations between two countries, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized.

On behalf of the Vietnamese people, Ngoc expressed his hope that regardless of where the former Chargé d'affaires and his spouse head to and which position they are in charge of, the beautiful memories about Vietnam will always stay on their minds.

Albán’s contribution in strengthening the friendship between two countries has been acknowledged by the goverment and people of VN (photo: Nguyễn Hồng)

Carlos, for his part, felt humble to receive the medallion, he said:

“The trust and opportunity Colombian goverment granted me when I took office as chargé d’affaires in Vietnam and the peace process of Colombia are two huge turning points which forever change my life... This honor and the accompany of my spouse Martha, all presenting guests, my colleagues and friends, mean a lot to me. I just want to say, in our hearts, there is always a special place for Vietnam - the country and its people."

Vice Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, Carlos Albán, his spouse and ambassadors at the ceremony. (Photo: Nguyễn Hồng)

On this ocassion, Carlos extended his heartfelt thank to the high-level leaders of Vietnam, to Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all the dear Vietnamese friends for giving him the honor.

He also extended thank to all people who have stood by his side, assisting him in his works, especially in searching for new projects which transcend the geographical borders between two countries./.

( An Nhi - translated by Phi Yen )