Speaking at the ceremony, Schulze praised Mau’s contribution to the development of multi-faceted relations and many joint projects between the two countries, including the building of Vietnamese-German University and an underground network in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a center for tourism, investment, culture and trade promotion which opened in 2008.

Mau is not only a diplomat but also a translator who has made a great effort to bring home the German culture to promote mutual understanding among the people of both countries.

Tran Duc Mau finally ended his term as Vietnamese ambassador to Germany in November 2008 and is now the Vice chairman of the State Committee for overseas Vietnamese.