On September 21, an official reception, marking the 24th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia took place in “Melia” hotel ballroom, in Hanoi.

The high-ranking officials of Vietnam government, Ambassadors and heads of international organizations accredited in Hanoi, the members of the “Armenia-Vietnam Friendship Association”, representatives of economic, political, cultural organizations, journalists from Vietnam television and the press were present at the reception.

Mr. Vu Kun Minh, representative the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, was the guest of honor.

H.E. Ms. Raisa Vardanyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with her solemn speech gave the start to the official opening of the ceremony. In her speech H.E. Ms. Raisa Vardanyan touched upon the achievements and successes Armenia has gained within these years of Independence.

Referring to the Armenian-Vietnamese bilateral relations, Ambassador Vardanyan highly appreciated the cooperation based on mutual benefits and friendship. Ms. Vardanyan expressed her confidence that political, economic, cultural and scientific relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen and deepen for the benefit of both countries. “Armenia established its Embassy in Hanoi two years ago; yet, in this short period of time we accomplished a lot of important work with our Vietnamese colleagues”, – said Ambassador Vardanyan.

Mr. Vu Kun Minh, the representative to the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, marked in his speech that Vietnam and Armenia, though geographically distant from each other, have always been distinguished by their close ties and strong friendship. According to Vu Kun Minh, the Vietnamese people remember and appreciate the contribution of the Armenian people during their struggle for independence. Referring to bilateral economic relations, Vu Kun Minh assured that the signing of Free Trade Agreement in May 2015 between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, will serve as a breakthrough in promoting economic cooperation and business ties between the two countries.

The reception was spiced up by the music of famous Armenian composers, as well as by the sightseeing pictures of Armenia.