Hanoi is to pay greater attention to external relations activities in 2015 with an aim of enhancing ties with partners and accelerating international integration, said a senior municipal official.

The city should also promote its image as a major cultural hub of the country through external relations, stated Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee at a conference of the Department of External Relations on January 14.

She noted that foreign investment has contributed greatly to Hanoi’s rapid development, therefore the department needs to devise a long-term strategy to help attract more investors to the city.

According to the department, last year, foreign relations activities played a significant role in fostering cooperation between the city and partners in various fields. The city welcomed 21 delegations from the capitals and cities of other countries and sent 14 delegations abroad, all for the purpose of expanding the partnership between Hanoi and other cities.

Hanoi also took part in a number of international events, including the 13th plenary session of the Asia Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21) and the second Meeting of Mayors and Governors of Capital Cities of ASEAN, through which the city demonstrated its proactive and responsible role in the organisations.

The department will continue to organize external activities across the fields of politics, economics and culture with a view to expanding international economic partnership and cultural exchange, thus enhancing the capital city’s position in the global arena.-VNA