Visitors to an exhibition on Vietnam-France relations as part of the Vietnam – France Culture and Friendship Week in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Consulat général de France à Ho Chi Minh-Ville)
The week is meant to celebrate 45 years of the countries’ diplomatic ties (April 12th, 1973) and five years of their bilateral strategic partnership (September 2013).
Addressing the week’s opening ceremony on April 15th, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-France Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung said the official visit to France by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong last March heralded a new stage in bilateral relations, creating a strong momentum for cooperation in all fields and the strategic partnership.
The Vietnam – France Culture and Friendship Week is the first in a series of activities marking the 45-year diplomatic relationship in Ho Chi Minh City, she said.
French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Vincent Floreani. (Photo: Consulat général de France à Ho Chi Minh-Ville)
Applauding the meaningful activities, French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Vincent Floreani said the countries celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2018, which is a new landmark in the development of their relations.
He quoted French President Emmanuel Macron as saying at a press conference following the talks with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during the latter’s visit in March that over the 45 years of diplomatic ties and five years of the strategic partnership, the two sides have done a lot of things and obtained many achievements, but they can do better. In the future, France will be further present in the region and Vietnam will be a friend to help France consolidate this presence.
An outstanding event in the week is photo exhibitions on the two countries’ friendship and the achievements of their multifaceted cooperation such as in agriculture, health care, education, and community development.
Other activities include a display of French educational products, introduction of French cuisine, the Krossing Over Arts Festival, performances of French songs, film screening, and a quiz on France and the two countries’ friendship./.
VNF
