Vietnamese Week, featuring various activities, will take place in Rome, Italy from January 16-23 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties.
At a press briefing in Rome on January 14, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long said the event will include exhibitions highlighting Vietnam - Italy solidarity between 1960 and 1970, Vietnam's art, books, newspapers and culture, an economic cooperation forum and a seminar to promote Vietnamese tourism.
He also thanked the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Dante Alighieri cultural and language centre for assisting the organisation of the event, which is expected to give Italians an insight into Vietnam and its people.
Former Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Alfredo Matacotta Cordella said he is among those who once promoted the teaching of Italian in Vietnam, and hopes the Vietnamese people will learn more about Italy and help boost the bond between the two peoples.
Participants at the briefing expressed their admiration for Vietnam and its people. It is a country, which according to them, is peaceful and hospitable.
Vietnam and Italy set up their diplomatic ties on March 23, 1973. The close friendship bonded the Vietnamese and Italian people provide a firm foundation for the two countries to promote their all-faceted cooperation in a sustainable and ongoing manner.