During his tenure in Viet Nam, Ambassador Olivier Brochet actively coordinated with the Viet Nam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association in a range of commemorative activities, delegation exchanges and people-to-people exchanges. He paid particular attention to the network of tens of thousands of Vietnamese people who had studied, worked and conducted research in France, viewing them as bridges capable of spreading friendship and promoting greater understanding between the two societies.

French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet (center) attends the Odon Vallet Scholarship award ceremony for high school students on August 24, 2026. (Photo: Embassy of France in Viet Nam)

The Ambassador also spent considerable time visiting localities across Viet Nam. During his tenure, he made working visits to Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Can Tho,..., attending local cooperation activities and promoting projects in the fields of socio-economic development, education, clean water supply, wastewater treatment, culture and heritage preservation. Through these efforts, Viet Nam-France cooperation has not only been implemented at the central level but has also extended to numerous localities and communities.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet (center) attends the signing ceremony of the twinning agreement between Da Lat Station (Viet Nam) and Trouville-Deauville Station (France) on May 7, 2026. (Photo: VOV)

Culture has also been a prominent area of Ambassador Olivier Brochet’s activities. Numerous programs introducing French culture have been held in localities including Da Lat, Hue, Hoi An and Hai Phong, featuring activities in film, photography, music, cuisine and sports. The Embassy of France has also participated in and supported events such as Photo Hanoi, film festivals in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, as well as museum cooperation, research and heritage preservation activities linked to the history of France’s presence in Viet Nam.

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet visits the Ngok Bay garment workshop in Kon Tum in July 2026. (Photo: Embassy of France in Viet Nam)

In recognition of these contributions, on September 4 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son presented Ambassador Olivier Brochet with the “For peace and friendship among nations” Medal.

Phan Anh Son praised Ambassador Olivier Brochet for not only working with official agencies but also proactively connecting with friendship organizations, alumni, localities and the people. He referred to Ambassador Olivier Brochet as an “Ambassadeur des peuples” – an “Ambassador of the people” - recognizing his efforts to build “invisible” yet enduring bridges between the two countries.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son (right) presents the “For peace and friendship among nations” Medal to French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that his three years serving as French Ambassador to Viet Nam had been a special experience for him. During this time, he not only drew on more than 30 years of diplomatic experience but also developed deep affection for Viet Nam, a country he felt was “very special” from the moment he first set foot in the country.

According to the Ambassador, the achievements in Viet Nam-France relations stem from the shared aspirations and determination of both sides. Speaking of his own contribution, he likened himself to “a musician in an orchestra,” contributing a part to the overall achievements of bilateral relations.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photograph. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Looking back on his time in Viet Nam, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Viet Nam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association and his Vietnamese partners for their warm welcome and strong support. He expressed his hope that his successor would continue to coordinate with Vietnamese partners, build on the foundations that have been established, and advance areas of cooperation that are still underway.

Celebrating French National Day in Ho Chi Minh City On July 7, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–France Friendship Association, and the Institute for Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) jointly organized a program celebrating the National Day of the French Republic and opening the exhibition “Vietnam-France Artistic Exchange 2026.”

Hanoi Promotes Investment and Tourism Potential to French Business Community The Hanoi-France Trade and Promotion Conference 2026 in Paris provided a forum to expand cooperation in trade and investment and attract more French tourists to the Vietnamese capital.