Attending the ceremony were Ngo Le Van, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; and leaders of Hanoi's departments and agencies.
Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen presents the Honorary Citizen of the Capital of Hanoi title to the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Vietnam.
At the ceremony, Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen highly praised Ambassador Saadi Salama's outstanding contributions in diplomacy, noting that his work has left a strong imprint on the capital's development while delivering tangible value to the community.
He emphasized that the honorary title represents the highest recognition by the capital's authorities and people for foreign individuals who have made significant contributions, commitment, intellect, and heartfelt affection to Hanoi. As the city enters a new stage of development, Hanoi values the contributions of distinguished individuals and international friends in building a city that is more prosperous, livable, and deeply integrated globally.
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van congratulated Ambassador Saadi Salama and affirmed that the title reflects trust and deep appreciation for the Palestinian diplomat's long-standing contributions to Hanoi's development as well as to Vietnam–Palestine relations.
"The capital does not recognize you with a title alone but embraces you as part of itself, a friend, and a citizen," Van said.
He also expressed confidence that in his current role, Ambassador Saadi Salama would continue to actively promote an open and substantive external relations environment and serve as an important bridge contributing to stronger Vietnam–Palestine bilateral ties.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen at the event.
Receiving the prestigious and meaningful title, Ambassador Saadi Salama expressed his sincere and profound gratitude for the recognition from Hanoi's authorities.
Reflecting on more than 45 years of close ties with Vietnam, including 22 years of studying and living in the country, the ambassador shared his deep emotions at witnessing and cherishing Hanoi's remarkable transformation from a capital facing many challenges into a dynamic and modern political, economic, and cultural center that still preserves its identity.
Overview of the event.
"Vietnam, and especially Hanoi, is not only my place of work but has become my second home, a place to which I devote my full affection, gratitude, and sense of responsibility," Ambassador Saadi Salama said.
He affirmed that the title of Honorary Citizen of the Capital would be a great source of encouragement and responsibility, motivating him to contribute even more to bilateral relations between the two countries and to a world of peace, justice, and humanity.