The Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Allaster Edward Cox, has been awarded the friendship order for his contributions to promoting the comprehensive partnership between both countries during his term of office in Vietnam.

At the presentation in Hanoi on June 20, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh praised the contributions the ambassador has made, to bring Vietnam and Australia closer together economically, socially and culturally, which has boosted friendship and cooperation between both countries.

The ambassador said he is honoured to receive such a prestigious award and expressed his thanks to Vietnam ’s Ministries and socio-political organisations for their support and cooperation.

He added that he will do his utmost to step up friendship and comprehensive cooperation between both countries.

The same day, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien had awarded the “For the People’s Health” insignia to the Australian Ambassador and Hungarian Ambassador Laszlo Vizi for their outstanding contributions to healthcare services in Vietnam .

During his term of office in Vietnam , the Australian Ambassador has called for assistance from the Australian Government for Vietnam ’s healthcare sector, resulting in many practical and effective projects being put into operation.

The Hungarian Ambassador to Vietnam , who is also Ambassador to Laos and Cambodia , was responsible for the ODA project that built the 500-bed Tumor Hospital in Can Tho city.

With an investment capital of 60 million EUR, this is the biggest of Hungary’s ODA projects in Vietnam and meets the increasing demand for treatment in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region.-VNA