More Vietnamese students learn Italian language hinh anh 1A performance of students from the Hanoi University's Department of Italian Studies at the celebration of Italy's 71st Republic Day in Hanoi (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

 Hanoi (VNA) – Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Cecilia Piccioni said there is an increase in the number of Vietnamese learning Italian with thousands of students in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

She was speaking at a seminar on the teaching of Italian language and culture that took place in Hanoi on November 23, marking the 15-year operation of the Hanoi University (HANU)’s Italian Studies Department (2002 - 2017).

The department was the first of its kind in Vietnam to offer university-level training of the subject.

Vice President of the university Nguyen Van Trao said the seminar aims to promote Italian studies in Vietnam and the ASEAN through reviewing the education of the subject and suggesting measures to improve its quality.

The seminar is also a chance for learners of Italian to know more about the European country’s history and culture, he noted.

Meanwhile, the Italian Ambassador said she hopes the seminar will allow the formation of more joint projects between the two countries’ universities and educational establishments to help Italian boost its position on par with other European languages.

She said the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation sponsoring this event reflects its country’s attention to the development of Southeast Asia and win-win cooperation with regional countries, particularly Vietnam.-VNA
VNA