The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisation (VUFO) presented the “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” insignia to outgoing Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Antonio Diniz Brandao at a ceremony held in Hanoi on November 7.

VUFO Vice President Bui Khac Son (R) presents the “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” insignia to outgoing Brazilian Ambassador Marco Antonio Diniz Brandao. (Photo: VNF)

The honour came in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two people.

Speaking at the event, VUFO Vice President Bui Khac Son congratulated the Ambassador on his successful working tenure in Vietnam and lauded the diplomat’s contributions to Vietnam-Brazil ties, particularly in politics-diplomacy, trade, economy, education, and people-to-people exchange.

He has actively worked with relevant agencies and sectors of both nations to accelerate the signing of numerous agreements, Son added.

Vietnam and Brazil have signed an agreement on cooperation in civil aviation and education, as well as memoranda of understanding on agricultural engagement and on joint work between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.

According to Son, during the Brazilian ambassador’s tenure, the economic ties between the two countries have also witnessed significant expansion, with bilateral trade has soared to nearly USD 4 billion. Increases were noticed in the number of Brazilian goods and services available in Vietnam and of Vietnamese delegations visiting the Brazilian market.

The diplomat has also paid working visits to different localities to study the local demand and promote trade across spheres, Son said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Brazilian Foreign Minister Nunes Ferreira witness the signing of the MoU between the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Alexandre de Gusmao Foundation of Brazil in May 12, 2018. (Source: VNA)

For his part, Marco expressed his gratitude toward receiving the insignia, the most notable reward of the VUFO, expressing his appreciation towards the warmth and support the Vietnamese people, including his friend, Former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Lang, chairman of the Vietnam-Brazil Friendship Associations, have given to the Ambassador himself.

The official agreed that the Vietnam-Brazil relationship has recorded positive development across fields, especially in their closer political ties, which was showed through regular visits and meetings by senior leaders and ministry and sector officials.

He affirmed that Friendship Associations plays an important role in people-to-people exchanges. People-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Brazil will need to continue to promote, thus nurturing the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two nations, he added.

He promised that in any future positions, he will try his best to make contributions to fostering friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.

VNF