On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam - France diplomatic relations, during the visit to Vietnam by former French Prime Minister François Fillon in 2009, the two governments decided to implement the crossover programme, which featured the France Year in Vietnam in 2013 and the Vietnam Year in France in 2014.
According to the French Embassy in Vietnam, the Joint Committee responsible for organising the two events in 2013 and 2014 paid a visit to Vietnam from December 11 to 14, 2012 to come to an agreement on political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and other programmes to be held in Vietnam and France under the framework of celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vietnam and France diplomatic relations (1973 - 2013).
At the recent launch of the logo for Vietnam-France Years in Hanoi, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son of Vietnam said Vietnam and France have traditional friendly relations formed and bolstered on the firm foundation of closeness and attachment of the two peoples.
“The good implementation of these activities will contribute to boosting the current bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and creating breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, science, technology, security and national defence, as well as cooperation between localities on the two sides to respond to potentials and mutual benefits,” he said.
Ms Sylviane Tarsot-Gillery, General Director of the French Institute, said Vietnamese and French delegations have worked together for more than the past year to issue an ambitious agenda. This will be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral exchanges and promote high-level visits. This will also be a chance for further development of cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities.
"In 2013 and 2014, we encourage all economic initiatives. In addition to political and economic exchanges, we agree to attract the public to cultural, educational, scientific and technological events across Vietnam and France to celebrate this 40th anniversary,” she added.
She noted that in April 2013, France - Vietnam Economic Forums will open in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From June to October, many contemporary musical performances will be staged by artists from Vietnam, France and French speaking countries. Two major music shows will be performed at the Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi.
The programme will also join the 120th founding anniversary of Da Lat in 2013. To end the France Year in Vietnam, the Organisation Board will host the Festival of Lights in Ho Chi Minh City, similar to that celebrated in Lyon, France in December.
She said the Festival of Lights in Lyon is a major, highly appreciated festival in Europe. With this event, the organizers hope to perform some artistic lighting programmes at famous buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly at the front of Reunification Palace.
Together with the Festival of Lights, a French gastronomy festival introducing both countries’ food delicacies will be organised.
Quynh Anh
Vietnamese
