Cultivate Vietnam-France Friendship with the Spirit 'Put Aside the Past, Look Forward to the Future'

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French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet (R) and Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang toasted at the event. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Attending the event were French Ambassador Olivier Brochet, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vietnam, representatives of Vietnamese agencies, associations, and businesses, along with people from both countries.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Olivier Brochet mentioned that in October 2023, as part of the celebrations for 50 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between the two countries, French President Emmanuel Macron and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong outlined a roadmap to strengthen France-Vietnam relations to jointly address global challenges.

Additionally, the meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Macron on the sidelines of the COP28 Conference in Dubai late last year highlights the unified viewpoints of both countries in combating climate change.

Olivier Brochet emphasized that France is currently the second largest European investor in Vietnam. More than 350 French businesses operate in Vietnam, creating nearly 30,000 jobs. Bilateral trade has grown steadily since the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect. Bilateral trade now exceeded 7 billion Euros, with the surplus tilting in favor of Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, Ambassador Olivier Brochet and delegates took photos with Vietnamese athletes who were preparing to leave for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang highlighted that the 1789 revolution was not only a pivotal historical event that established the foundation for the modern French Republic, but also became a symbol of humanity. She emphasized the importance of upholding the people's strength and the noble ideals of "Freedom - Equality - Fraternity."

This spirit is also reflected in Vietnam's Declaration of Independence dated September 2, 1945. The annual French National Day is an opportunity to honor these values and remind us to cherish peace and continually strive for social development and progress.

History has forged a close relationship between Vietnam and France, marked by special bonds in politics, culture, architecture, cuisine, language, and people. Embracing the spirit of "putting aside the past, looking forward to the future," both nations strive to respect differences, leverage similarities, foster friendship, and enhance understanding between their peoples.

After more than half a century of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnership, Vietnam-France relations have developed extensively in all fields, particularly in delegation exchange activities at all levels.

Lion dance performance at the 235th Anniversary of France's National Day, on the evening of July 15 in Hanoi. (Photo: Xuan Son)

French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Secretary of State for Veterans' Affairs and Memory Patricia Miralles visited Vietnam and attended the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 2024). Chairman of the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front Do Van Chien had a successful visit to France in June 2024.

On multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations where France plays a significant role, the two sides have effectively coordinated and shared perspectives on many crucial issues. These include maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development, as well as upholding international law and the United Nations Charter.

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