A central Vietnamese university has recently presented honorary doctorates to two Germans in recognition of their contributions to science, healthcare, education, and charitable work in the country.

The University of Da Nang awarded two such doctoral degrees to Dr. Wolfgang Heubisch, Bavarian State Minister of Science, Research and the Arts, and Dr. Erich Lejeune, founder and chairman of the Heart for Heart Foundation, during a conferment ceremony at its campus last week.

Dr. Heubisch has provided assistance to intensive healthcare research activities as well as the training of Vietnamese medical workers and college lecturers, and has also supplied supporting equipment and laboratories to the Faculty of Medicine at the university since 2009.

His compatriot, Dr. Lejeune, and the Heart for Heart Foundation have given the Da Nang General Hospital many cardiopediatric devices to help save thousands of Vietnamese children with congenital heart disease.

His wife, Irene Lejeune, was also granted an honorary PhD in 2010.

Bui Van Ga, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, showed his appreciation of the humanitarian activities performed by the two Germans and expressed his hope that they will make more significant contributions to the friendly, cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Germany. 

In return, Dr. Heubisch expressed his pride and honor, saying that the title is a symbol of the good relationship and friendship between the two countries.

The other German, Dr. Lejeune, joined him by affirming that he will do his best to continue strengthening and developing this relationship.

A nearby university, Hue University which is situated in Hue City, had earlier conferred an honorary doctoral degree on Nonthivathn Chandhanaphalin, a Thai visual artist, for his contributions to the cooperation between Vietnamese art colleges and their Thai partners.