Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam Ivo Sieber and Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV), on 24th November implemented ribbon cutting ceremony for Geneva Conference Room. Photo: ThuyHang

On 24th November, Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam Ivo Sieber and Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV), jointly inaugurated the Geneva Conference Room, located in the newly-constructed DAV building. The opening of the Geneva Conference Room is a highlight in a series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam in 2021.

The Swiss-designed Geneva Conference Room reflects the city’s natural surroundings with the lake of Geneva and its mountain scenery. The room carries special symbolism and offers a new and inspiring connection between Geneva and Hanoi: As European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva is the operational heart of the multilateral system. The city earned itself the title of capital of peace, acting as place of dialogue, including for facilitated peace conferences and processes. Geneva’s open mind and spirit, allowing for inclusive and tolerant debates among people of different views and opinions, aims at nurturing constructive discussions.

Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber stated: “The Geneva Conference Room marks another milestone in the intensifying relations between Switzerland and Viet Nam. From now on, Geneva as Capital of Peace is officially linked with Vietnam’s capital Ha Noi.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber congratulate for Geneva Conference Room. Photo: ThuyHang

Dr. Pham Lan Dung, making the speech of opening the ceremony affirmed that: “The Geneva Conference Room highlights the further expansion of bilateral relations, ranging from humanitarian assistance, development aid, trade, investment to education, training and human resource development, which are key to every country’s sustainable and long-term development”.

Dr. Pham Lan Dung made the speech at the opening ceremony. Photo: ThuyHang

At the ceremony, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber also introduced Switzerland's candidacy for the position of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2023-2024.

According to the Ambassador, after 20 years as a member of the United Nations, Switzerland is ready to shoulder more responsibilities and further strengthen Switzerland's long-term commitment to the rule of law, peace, and security on an international scale.

Switzerland wants to become "A Plus for Peace” with a strong commitment to humanity, sustainable development, multilateralism, innovation and peace.

Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber spoke at the ceremony. Photo: ThuyHang

According to Dr. Pham Lan Dung, the Geneva Conference Room would play a very important role for DAV's activities to connect many international organizations, hold important events of international relations and receive many potilical and international delegations visiting and working with the Academy. The Room is also an excellent space for potential students to learn and create ideas for their big events, researching, workshops or forums.

Sharing with Vietnam Times, Ambassador Ivo Sieber expressed that the Room would be a good model of research and education to foster Vietnamese students' knowledge on learning international issues and relations to promote and strengthen Vietnam' external relationship.

Many guests coming from international organizations and embassies in Vietnam participated the event. Photo: ThuyHang

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