The events were part of a cooperative project between the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and the city of Toulouse in France. The project aimed to provide technical assistance in the preservation and promotion of typical urban heritage values and archaeological relics at the royal citadel. It has been in progress since 2020 and received funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Toulouse.
Nguyen Thanh Quang, the director of the center, emphasized the positive outcomes of the project in his opening remarks. He stated that it has effectively promoted the traditional cooperative relationship between the two cities and serves as a model for cooperation between localities in France and Vietnam.
Joint discussions, scientific research, and exhibitions organized by experts from both Hanoi and Toulouse have strengthened the connection between the heritage of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and other heritage sites in Toulouse. These initiatives have deepened public understanding of the history and culture of both cities, he added.
Quang expressed his hope that French friends will continue to support the preservation and promotion of the heritage value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, particularly in the areas of heritage tourism, staff training, and conservation of French architectural works in the heritage area.
Vice Mayor of Toulouse, Jean-Claude Dardelet, acknowledged that the project has provided valuable opportunities for experts from Vietnam and France to exchange experiences.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and personnel changes, both sides have persevered and achieved great success, he stated.
The outcomes of the project have created new avenues for cooperation between the two cities, especially in the fields of heritage conservation, research, and tourism promotion, he concluded.
