The ceremony was attended by Benoit Guidée, Director for Asia and Oceania at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Simona Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO; along with nearly 500 guests who are representatives from relevant French agencies, friendship associations with Vietnam, diplomatic missions, international organisations, Vietnamese associations in France, overseas Vietnamese, and French friends.
Stressing the significance of the celebration of the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day, Vietnamese Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang highlighted major events marking new milestones in Vietnam-France relations, including the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory in Vietnam, which was attended for the first time by French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory Patricia Miralles, and the 8th session of the Vietnam-France High-Level Dialogue on Economy in Paris.
In his message to representatives of international organisations based in Paris, Thang stated that in the face of complex challenges of the 21st century, international cooperation is more essential than ever. Therefore, Vietnam is determined to play an active role in building a more just, sustainable, and prosperous world.
Benoit Guidée stated that 2024 is a year to further deepen the relationship between France and Vietnam along three main axes: strengthening the partnership to enhance sovereignty in all aspects, establishing conditions for sustainable development, and diversifying forms of exchange between the people of the two countries.
At the event, participants enjoyed a special art programme performed by both Vietnamese and French artists, and tasted Vietnam’s traditional dishes.
Earlier on September 12, a similar ceremony was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico.
Congratulating the Vietnamese people on this occasion, Director General for Asia-Pacific at the Mexican Foreign Ministry Fernando González-Saiffe said that over the past 49 years since the two countries established their diplomatic relations, Vietnam has consistently been Mexico's leading political partner in the Southeast Asian region.
Vietnam is now Mexico's 10th largest trading partner globally, surpassing traditional partners such as Spain, India, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, he noted, adding that this provides a solid foundation for the two countries to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in the coming time.
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai stressed that throughout its struggle for national independence and development, Vietnam has received invaluable support and assistance from the international community, including Mexico. This positive relationship has been increasingly expanded across various fields, from politics and economics to cultural diplomacy, and is reflected in the mutual support at international forums such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
