The Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam visits the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

On August 8, 2008, Mr. Gabriel M. Lessard, the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, visited the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. He was welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Vu Duc Nghieu, Vice Rector of the University, along with representatives and staff from the International Relations Department and the Faculty of International Studies.

At the meeting, Mr. Gabriel M. Lessard expressed his interest in the research on Canada in particular and North America in general at the university. According to the Ambassador, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is one of the few institutions that provides training and research on Canada, and this meeting is a good opportunity for both sides to learn about each other. Vietnam and Canada will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2008. In fact, the relationship between the two countries has existed for a long time, and Canada was one of the first countries to conduct research on Vietnam. Currently, there are 250,000 Vietnamese people living in Canada, a relatively high number compared to many other countries, and this is a great impetus for the need to learn about each other in all cultural, economic, political, and social fields.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/8/08/p8082433.jpg" border="0" alt="Cover page of the Encyclopedia of Canada (Photo: Thanh Ha)" title="Cover page of the Encyclopedia of Canada (Photo: Thanh Ha)" width="179" height="240" align="right" ]

Wishing to help the faculty and students of the University gain a more concrete understanding of Canada and its people, Mr. Gabriel M. Lessard donated the Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples to the University.

“The gift is small, but the wisdom it brings is immense. I hope it will help Vietnamese students and lecturers better understand Canada and its people, perhaps even completely change their preconceived notions about Canada,” the ambassador quipped when presenting the book to Associate Professor Vu Duc Nghieu.

At the meeting, Associate Professor Vu Duc Nghieu affirmed that research on Canada and North America is an important research direction for the University. In the future, the University hopes for regular and concrete cooperation with the Canadian Embassy to achieve new developments in this research direction. Associate Professor Vu Duc Nghieu also thanked the Ambassador on behalf of the University for the gift and stated: “Although the book is small, it contains a great deal of effort and intellect from scientists. This is a precious gift to us. We have received a valuable item, and this valuable item has found the right person to use it correctly and effectively.”

Associate Professor Vu Duc Nghieu also extended an invitation to Mr. Gabriel M. Lessard to visit and give a talk to a large number of faculty and students of the university in the near future.