The European Union (EU) has always stood by the side of Hanoi city in sustainable development, newly-appointed EU Ambassador to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti said at a meeting with Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on November 29.

Giorgio Aliberti expressed his delight at Vietnam’s impressive growth, adding that he highly valued the bilateral relationship between EU and Vietnam over the recent years.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti shakes hands with Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung. Photo: HNM

The ambassador hoped that the two sides would continue to promote collaborative ties in numerous fields, including environmental protection and renewable energy, among others.

The EU delegation in Vietnam is expected to hold a "European Village" in Hanoi in May 2020, Giorgio Aliberti said, expressing his hope that the Hanoi government will create favorable conditions for the cultural event.

For his part, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung wished that the ambassador will be a bridge to enhance Vietnam - EU relations in the time ahead.

Briefing the guest on Hanoi’s socio-economic development in recent years, Chung emphasized that the capital city’s economic growth is expected to reach 7.5% in 2019. The number of tourists to Hanoi has reached 19.5 million, including 7.2 million international arrivals. Foreign direct investment totaled US$8 billion.

The Hanoi mayor added that the city will focus on promoting green and circular economy, preserving and embellishing historical relics, reducing environmental pollution, building infrastructure towards a smart city and sustainable development, among others.

Chung hoped that EU member states would keep cooperating, exchanging experiences and investing in Hanoi in the above-mentioned fields.

Regarding "European Village", the mayor affirmed that the Hanoi government will do its utmost to make the event a success.