Celebration for 50 Years of Vietnam – France Diplomatic Relations Launched

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (Photo: QDND)

Speaking at the ceremony, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed his delight at the good development of Vietnam-France relations in many fields, from politics, economy, defense, education to people-to-people exchange. Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with France, a country with an important position and role in Europe and in the world.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed his belief in the potential of cooperation between the two countries and between ASEAN and the European Union (EU). France became a development partner of ASEAN in 2020, while ASEAN upgraded its relationship with the EU to strategic partnership in June 2021, forming an important basis for new developments in the Vietnam – France relations.

2023 marks 50 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations and 10 years of upgrading to strategic partnership. It is an opportunity for the two peoples to show their sentiment and willingness to cooperate for peace and development in the region and the world. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue believes that with the leaders’ political determination and the people’s efforts, the two countries will continue to develop their strategic partnership in depth and in breadth.

“French Senate President’s visit comes at an important time in Vietnam-France relations. Today’s event is the prelude to the triumph of the two countries’ relations,” said Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman.

Delegates at the event (Photo: Valerie Mai)

French Senate President Gérard Larcher said, the Paris Peace Accord on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam was signed in January 1973. By April 1973, diplomatic relations between France and Vietnam were established. Over the past 50 years, the two countries have successfully organized many high-level visits. Many French Presidents have visited Vietnam: President Francois Mitterrand in 1993, President Jacques Chirac in 1997 and 2004, and President François Hollande in 2016. In the coming time, Larcher hopes a visit of the French President to Vietnam will be conducted.

Senate President Gérard Larcher stated that the two countries have similarities in history and culture and share close connections. Besides fruitful results of cooperation in economy, education, culture, heritage, and climate change management, the two countries have earned significant achievements in people-to-people exchanges. Over 300,000 Vietnamese are living in France. The Vietnamese community quickly integrates into French culture and lifestyle actively participating in all aspects of economic and social life.

On this occasion, Senate President Gérard Larcher, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and other delegates announced the logo for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France.