Opening ceremony of the 17th congress of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV). Photo: VNA

The France-Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV) held its 17th national congress and 60th anniversary of its establishment (1961-2021) in Montreuil, a suburb of Paris on November 19 and 20. The congress was attended by delegates from the National Committee and representatives of branches from many regions of France.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang appreciated the contributions made during the past 60 years by AAFV, one of the oldest friendship associations with Vietnam.

The Ambassador said: "With the desire and love always for Vietnam, AAFV has never stopped working, even in the pandemic." He also reiterated the association's efforts in the campaign to raise funds for Covid-19 vaccine.

He mentioned the affirmation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a working session with AAFV representative, on the occasion of his official visit to France recently. “Vietnam always remembers the sentiments and valuable contributions of many generations of leaders and AAFV members to Vietnam. Vietnam believes that the AAFV, with the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, along with the local committees, will continue to play a leading role in solidarity activities, and make practical contributions to Vietnam.”

For his part, the Montreuil City Mayor Patrice Bessac also expressed the pride of the city of Montreuil - the place to keep and write many glorious pages of history of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples, and also a place leading in decentralized cooperation between France and Vietnam.

People came to lay flowers in front of Uncle Ho's statue at Montreau Park. Photo: VNA

The city's Montreau Park is home to the statue of President Ho Chi Minh and the living history museum - a place to keep his precious memento. Montreuil, is also a sister city with Hai Duong province of Vietnam.

Reviewing AAFV's activities in recent years, the summary report states that in the two years 2020-2021, the Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of many people, including some leaders and key members of the association, which disrupts the association's activities.

However, when the pandemic was less stressful and the anti-pandemic regulations were relaxed, AAFV tried to coordinate with Vietnamese associations in France and the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group to organize a number of activities to promote Vietnam and the relationship between the two countries.

People visit Ho Chi Minh space at the Montreuil City's living history museum. Photo: VNA

The association also participated in the campaign to support Tran To Nga in the trial against chemical companies that supplied herbicides to the US military during the Vietnam War.

In the two years of 2019-2020, the association has implemented 27 assistance projects in 16 provinces and cities in Vietnam with a total amount of more than 100,000 euros (more than US$112,000).

Regarding bilateral relations, the report appreciates the good developments between the two sides, especially the recent visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, contributing to raising the two countries' relations to a new height.

After a meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam on November 5, AAFV sent a letter to the competent authorities of France expressing their wishes and requesting that the two sides strengthen activities within the framework of the Strategic Partnership; develop cooperation opportunities through the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union (EU); ratification of investment protection agreements; the EU to remove the IUU yellow card related to fishing for Vietnam. AAFV wishes to organize activities on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh's trip to Europe and to countries around the world, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the partnership.

Exhibition of books about Vietnam. Photo: VNA

In the action plan for the 2021-2024 term, the delegates affirmed their continued support and solidarity with the Vietnamese people in a direction consistent with the situation of the two countries and in the world. They also need to take into account the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, global warming, regional and global tensions.

In that spirit, the congress agreed to continue to conduct and develop the association's activities according to four contents: introducing the country and people of Vietnam, supporting cooperation activities between France and Vietnam, working with the Vietnamese people, mobilizing financial and human resources to ensure the operation of the association.

Additionally many photo exhibitions about Agent Orange/dioxin victims, traditional lacquer paintings, display of books and magazines about Vietnam were also presented to the multinational audiences.

Friendship Order Awarded to Vice President of France-Vietnam Friendship Association France-Vietnam Friendship Association Vice President honoured with Friendship Order.

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