UNIS/BIO/831
5 November 2007

New Permanent Representative of Viet Nam Presents Credentials

VIENNA, 5 November (UN Information Service) - The new Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (Vienna), Nguyen Ba Than, presented his credentials today to Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General, United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Nguyen was serving as Deputy Director-General, Deputy Chief of Inspection, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (since 2005).

Mr. Nguyen has served in many capacities in the course of his career, including as: Ambassador to Switzerland (2001 - 05), Deputy Director-General, Deputy Chief of Chancery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1996 - 2001), Desk Officer of the Chancery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1996), First Secretary then Counsellor, Embassy of Viet Nam to Germany (1991 - 96), Desk Officer, Department of diplomacy building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1990 - 91), Desk Officer, Europe I Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1988 - 89), Third Secretary, Embassy of Viet Nam to the Federal Republic of Germany, accredited to Austria (1985 - 88), Desk Officer, Europe I Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1982 - 85), Attaché, Embassy of Viet Nam to the German Democratic Republic (1976 - 82) and Desk Officer for the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1972 - 76).

Mr. Nguyen holds a degree from the University of Rostock, Germany. He is married and has two children.

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