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This prestigious accolade, Italy’s highest honor, recognizes Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa’s outstanding contributions to fostering cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Italy over the years.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta emphasized the central role of culture in the relationship between the two countries. The Ambassador highlighted Dr. Hoa’s more than 20-year career dedicated to strengthening cultural ties between Vietnam and Italy and advancing bilateral cultural initiatives.

Among her notable achievements are her pivotal role in establishing Casa Italia, leading the negotiation and signing of the Vietnam-Italy Cultural Cooperation Program for 2023–2026, and organizing a special art program celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the Italian Presidential Palace. Dr. Hoa also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association.

“The award is not only a recognition of Dr. Hoa’s achievements but also a testament to the successful cooperative efforts between Vietnam and Italy for their mutual benefit,” affirmed Ambassador Della Seta.

Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa is awarded Italy’s Order of Merit.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Hoa expressed her profound honor and pride in receiving the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; reflecting on the guidance of Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung to “Act decisively, aspire to contribute, and approach small tasks with great love,”

“This philosophy resonates deeply with my belief that dedication, responsibility, and love in one’s work will always be acknowledged,” said she.

Dr. Hoa further emphasized that the honor not only recognized her efforts but also the collective dedication of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. She hoped the award would inspire her and her colleagues to continue strengthening Vietnam-Italy relations.

Cultural collaboration between Vietnam and Italy has thrived, leaving meaningful marks in both countries in recent years. In 2023, the two governments signed the Vietnam-Italy Cultural Cooperation Program for 2023–2026, laying a foundation for expanding and enhancing bilateral cultural initiatives. An art performance at the ceremony. In 2024, a series of cultural exchange events were successfully organized, including performances by the Italian World Youth Orchestra in Vietnam and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum and Italy’s Galleria Borghese. Of particular note is Italy’s initiative to upgrade Casa Italia into the Italian Cultural Institute in Hanoi, marking a major step forward in fostering comprehensive and professional cultural cooperation. Established under a 2013 Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments, Casa Italia has become a symbol of Italian culture in Hanoi, hosting numerous cultural and artistic exchanges that enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. This upgrade is expected to elevate the effectiveness of Italy’s cultural promotion in Vietnam and pave the way for the establishment of a Vietnamese Cultural Center in Rome in the future. Vietnam and Italy will continue to expand cultural exchanges, including art programs and cultural weeks in each country. Collaboration will also be enhanced in heritage preservation and expert exchanges. Vietnam has invited Italy to participate in major international cultural events such as the Hue Festival, the Hanoi International Film Festival, and the International Dance Festival. These initiatives promise to further solidify cultural ties and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

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