Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo visited a photo exhibition of Francophone’s activities. Photo: WVR

In Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 25 coordinated with the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to celebrate the International Francophonie Day on March 20 and the 25th anniversary of the 7th Francophonie Summit in Hanoi (1997).

Francophone - Door to help Vietnam integrate into the world

Speaking at the celebration, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that 25 years ago, the 7th Francophonie Summit took place in Hanoi with the participation of 48 Francophone member states and governments.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that for Vietnam, the French are one of the doors to integrate with the world in the early stages of Doi Moi. Photo: WVR

This is the first Francophone Summit held in the Asia-Pacific region, marking an important milestone in the institutional development of French-speaking countries with the adoption of the Francophone Charter and the election of the first Francophone Secretary-General.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that for Vietnam, the French were one of the doors to help the country integrate with the world in the early stages of the doi moi (reform period).

“This conference is a testament to Vietnam’s foreign policy. Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and responsible member in the international community, striving together for peace, national independence, and cooperation,” said Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that hosting the 7th Francophonie Summit brought Vietnam valuable lessons and experience, which helped Vietnam successfully organize many significant conferences of important multilateral forums such as APEC, ASEM, and ASEAN.

According to Minister Bui Thanh Son, the past 25 years have also witnessed a substantial rise in Vietnam with outstanding development. Vietnam has become a middle-income country from a slow-growing country with a centrally planned economy. Vietnam has a developing socialist-oriented market economy, international integration and deep economic linkages.

Toward the future

Secretary-General of the OIF Louise Mushikiwabo believes that this is an opportunity for the Francophone community to look back at the past and future.

She said the Francophone future is in the hands of the younger generation, who represent more than 70% of the population of several Francophone countries.

Vietnam is a developing country with great technological potential. Vietnam plays an important role in the Economic Strategy of the Francophone bloc. Photo: WVR

Louise Mushikiwabo said: “Vietnam is a great example of support for young people, especially start-ups. OIF wishes to contribute to this by strengthening connections between Francophone economic communities.”

According to the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Vietnam is a developing country with great technological potential. Vietnam plays an important role in the Economic Strategy of the Francophone bloc.

This is a strategy realized with the presence of nearly one hundred businesses from 24 countries to meet about 370 Vietnamese companies in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

She expressed her wish that this activity contributes to creating and consolidating effective trade partnerships between economic sectors in the Francophone community.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery presented the GADIF’s Annual Francophonie Award to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. Photo: WVR

The French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery presented the GADIF’s Annual Francophonie Award to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

French Ambassador Nicolas Warnery said that the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam is a symbol of the innovation and dynamism of the Francophone community.

In 2021, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam hosted an initiative to teach French as a second foreign language, increasing the number of French-speaking students at the Academy from 50 to 300 students.

On March 25, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam also inaugurated the Francophonie Space with several specialized rooms and a library.

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