(VNF)- Vietnam ambassador in Italy was awarded with a “Medal of merit” – Italy’s most noble –in recognition of his significant contributions during his tenure.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday hosted a reception in Rome for Nguyen Hoang Long, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy who came to bid farewell before ending his tenure in the country.

Vietnam Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long (R) was awarded “Medal of merit” – the Italian State’s most noble on July 23, 2015. (Photo: VNA)

President Mattarella highly appreciated the ambassador’s contributions in fostering the ties and cooperation between Italy and Vietnam during his tenure, thus elevating the bilateral relationship to strategic partnership.

Ambassador Long said he’s hugely honored to be conferred with the medal and pledged to try his utmost to beef up the two countries’ ties in the coming time.

The ambassador reiterated Vietnam State President Truong Tan Sang’s invitation to President Mattarella to pay a State-level visit to the Southeast Asian country in the time to come.

The Italian president happily took up the invitation./.

by VNF