Welcoming Ambassador Saadi Salama to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic term in Viet Nam, Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh highly appreciated the Ambassador's sincere affection, close ties and positive contributions to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Palestine, particularly in the fields of culture, sports and tourism.
The Minister affirmed that Viet Nam and Palestine enjoy a long-standing traditional friendship built on solidarity, mutual trust and mutual support. During his tenure in Viet Nam, Ambassador Saadi Salama made active contributions to promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, including promoting the image of Viet Nam, its people and its cultural identity to the world.
Expressing appreciation for the close cooperation and strong support provided by the Embassy of Palestine for cultural exchange activities organised by the Ministry, such as New Year gathering programmes and receptions for the diplomatic corps, Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh acknowledged Ambassador Saadi Salama's special affection for the country and people of Viet Nam. She affirmed that Viet Nam regards Ambassador Saadi Salama as a close friend and expressed confidence that, in whatever position he may hold in the future, he will continue to serve as a bridge strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
The Minister expressed her hope that Ambassador Saadi Salama would always retain his affection for Viet Nam, regard Viet Nam as his second homeland, and continue supporting cultural, sports and tourism cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of Viet Nam's culture, sports and tourism, as well as to the friendship between Viet Nam and Palestine, Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh presented the Ambassador with the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism."
Ambassador Saadi Salama expressed his honour and deep emotion at receiving the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism" from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He also conveyed his sincere and profound gratitude to Minister Lam Thi Phuong Thanh and the Ministry's leadership, especially the International Cooperation Department.
Ambassador Saadi Salama emphasised: "For me, this distinguished award is not only recognition of my efforts to promote cultural exchanges between Palestine and Viet Nam, but also an expression of appreciation for the love and deep attachment that I have always carried for the country and people of Viet Nam for nearly half a century."
Ambassador Saadi Salama shared that during his 24 years of living, studying and working in Viet Nam, he had developed a deep affection for the country and an even greater admiration for the Vietnamese people, whom he described as compassionate, loyal, resilient and full of aspirations to rise.
"Viet Nam and Palestine share a very special relationship. The Palestinian people have always regarded Viet Nam as a symbol and a source of inspiration, strengthening their belief in the power of their own nation," Ambassador Saadi Salama said.
The Ambassador also affirmed that Viet Nam had never been merely a place of work for him but had become his second home, a place filled with the sincere affection of the Vietnamese people.
Expressing his profound gratitude to the Party, State and Government of Viet Nam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and ministries, central agencies and local authorities, Ambassador Saadi Salama once again affirmed that although his diplomatic term had come to an end, in whatever capacity he might serve in the future, he would continue to be a friend of Viet Nam and continue contributing to nurturing and developing the traditional friendship between the Palestinian people and the Vietnamese people.
