Ho Chi Minh City and OIF Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong on April 20 received Regional Representative for Asia – Pacific of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Hanoi Edgar Doerig. Photo: VNA

The Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Bui Xuan Cuong, welcomed Regional Representative for Asia-Pacific of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Edgar Doerig, on April 20th. Doerig, who is on a working visit to the city, was received by Cuong with the presence of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

At the meeting, Cuong implored Edgar Doerrig to back the running of cultural and French teaching centers in the city and at the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF).

He also urged for further collaboration between the city and its French-speaking partners, France, and the members of the Francophone community in a variety of areas.

Edgar Doerig, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Finance Corporation (OIF), has expressed expectations that the organization will continue to foster investment and commerce between France and Vietnam, with a particular emphasis on Ho Chi Minh City.

Appreciating the enormous potential of the city in cooperation with French-speaking partners, Edgar Doerrig said that, besides the traditional relationship in information technology, both sides would continue to expand cooperation in agricultural production and exports.

An exciting seminar focusing on French literature will take place on April 25th at the National Library of Vietnam in Hanoi to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and France (1973-2023).

Dr. Tran Van Cong of Hanoi University and Dr. Tran Le Bao Chau of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education will be delivering speeches at the upcoming event, as reported by Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

The seminar, jointly organized by the National Library of Vietnam and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), will focus on the history of French literature and the International Francophonie’s Five Continents Award. Participants will gain insight into the development and significance of French literature, as well as the importance of the award in recognizing and promoting francophone works.

The prestigious OIF Award has been part of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie‘s (OIF) project since 2001. It seeks to recognize and celebrate literary talent that reflects cultural diversity through French literary works in five continents. This award is a testament to the creativity and excellence of writers around the world.

The aim of this event is to showcase French literature to the people of Vietnam, while promoting the French book sector, which has benefited from a collaboration between the National Library of Vietnam and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) between 2019 and 2022.

The Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2023 is set to begin on March 16 and end on April 30, taking place at the National Library of Vietnam. This event aims to further promote the culture of reading and books in the country.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet (R) and Regional Representative for Asia – Pacific of the OIF Edgar Doerig. Photo: VNA

In April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet hosted a reception in Hanoi for Regional Representative for Asia – Pacific of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Edgar Doerig, who had come to present his credentials on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is devoted to furnishing all conceivable assistance within its capability for the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie’s (OIF’s) operations, he declared.

Speaking highly of the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie’s (OIF) role and important contributions to enhancing cooperation and solidarity among the people and governments of French-speaking countries around the world, Viet Nam affirmed that it always highly evaluates cooperation with the OIF, while actively, proactively and responsibly engaging in its activities.

Viet proposed that the OIF should bolster its support for French language teaching in Vietnam, including providing training in the language for Vietnamese military and public security personnel who take part in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He further suggested ramping up cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between Vietnamese and Francophone entities, particularly in Africa, through the implementation of a tripartite cooperation model in agriculture.