The Geneva Conference Room is located at the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam in Hà Nội.  — Photo courtesy of the Swiss Embassy

HÀ NỘI  — The Swiss-designed Geneva Conference Room was inaugurated at the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

The inauguration of the room is a highlight within the 50th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Việt Nam in 2021.

The facility reflects the city’s natural surroundings with the lake of Geneva and its mountain scenery.

The room carries special symbolism and offers a new and inspiring connection between Geneva and Hà Nội. As European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva is the operational heart of the multilateral system. The city earned itself the title of capital of peace, acting as place of dialogue, including for facilitating peace conferences and processes. Geneva’s open mind and spirit, allowing for inclusive and tolerant debates among people of different views and opinions, aims at nurturing constructive discussions.

Swiss Ambassador to Việt Nam Ivo Sieber said: “The Geneva Conference Room marks another milestone in the intensifying relations between Switzerland and Việt Nam. From now on, Geneva as Capital of Peace is officially linked with Việt Nam’s capital Hà Nội.”

Dr. Phạm Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam, said: “The Geneva Conference Room highlights the further expansion of bilateral relations, ranging from humanitarian assistance, development aid, trade, investment to education, training and human resource development, which are key to every country’s sustainable and long-term development."

At the inauguration, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber also presented Switzerland’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council in 2023-2024. — VNS