French Ambassador Enchanted by Hanoi And Vietnamese Ao Dai

	Silk Collection Highlights Vietnam's Heritage
	Foreign Ambassadors Celebrate Vietnamese Culture Through Ao Dai

On the afternoon of December 11, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet hosted a meeting and interview with local media and television outlets at the French Embassy in Hanoi. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of France-Vietnam cooperation in 2024 and to outline plans for collaboration in the upcoming year, 2025.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet made an impression when wearing Vietnam's traditional ao dai for the first time. Photo: Viet Anh

Ambassador Brochet left a lasting impression on the press by donning Vietnam’s traditional ao dai for the first time. He further demonstrated his deep integration into Vietnamese culture by personally decorating a peach blossom branch and treating guests to traditional teas and fruit preserves—quintessential elements of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration.

"The ao dai is a beautiful symbol of Vietnam. Any international visitor to the country is mesmerized by the sight of women wearing ao dai, and I am no exception,” the ambassador remarked. "However, after spending time in Vietnam, I learned that men can also wear ao dai, though typically on rare and formal occasions. That inspired me to have one custom-made by a renowned designer, and I am honored to wear it for this interview."

Expectations for new heights in Vietnam-France relations

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting 2024 as a landmark year for Vietnam-France diplomatic relations. This year witnessed two major events - the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phủ victory and the official visit of General Secretary To Lam to the French Republic. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects France’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s development in key areas such as energy, rail transport, sustainable agriculture, and high-quality human resource training.

Additionally, France has supported Vietnam in streamlining its political framework, administrative reforms, and developing e-governance. Collaborative efforts in legal and administrative sectors have been ongoing for years, involving experts and high-ranking officials from both nations.

"Forty years since the renewal process, Vietnam has consistently set ambitious goals and found ways to achieve them. As one of the first Western partners to accompany Vietnam from its early days of opening up to now, we are eager to continue our partnership in pursuing Vietnam’s future goals. We firmly believe that Vietnam possesses the resources and methods needed to realize these ambitions," emphasized Ambassador Brochet.

A "new" yet "old" Hanoi through the French Ambassador’s eyes

Despite knowing little about Hanoi before taking up his post, Ambassador Olivier Brochet shared that the city has left a profound and lasting impression on him after more than a year of living there. What strikes him most about Hanoi is its harmonious blend of ancient charm and modern dynamism, a unique quality not found everywhere.

"Whenever I stroll through Hanoi’s streets, I am constantly captivated by the city’s vibrant cultural life. From modern cinemas to theaters like the Hoan Kiem Theater near the French Embassy, Hanoi hosts events that attract a wide range of young audiences," Ambassador Brochet remarked. "What makes Hanoi truly special, however, is how it preserves its timeless charm, especially in its central districts."

Ambassador Olivier Brochet treated guests to traditional Vietnamese tea and fruit jams. Photo: Viet Anh

The French Ambassador’s deep affection for Hanoi drives his contemplation of how the city can continue to grow and modernize while preserving its distinctive identity and elegance. "I believe this process is not only about maintaining architectural landscapes but also ensuring that residents in these areas have convenient, comfortable lives," he explained.

Ambassador Brochet expressed his hope that Hanoi will continue to develop into a city that its residents not only regard as charming and livable but also culturally rich and diverse. Furthermore, he envisions Hanoi amplifying its cultural presence internationally, bringing its unique heritage to a broader global audience.

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