HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has made great efforts and significant contributions to the general development of Francophone communities and the French language in the region in recent years, said Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Hà Kim Ngọc at the official ceremony of International Francophone Day 2018, held at the Centre of International Conference on Friday.

The ceremony was jointly held by Việt Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Organisation of la Francophonie (OIF) and the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations and Institutions in Việt Nam (GADIF).

Attending the event were representatives of many ministries, departments, embassies and French lecturers who have contributed to the development of the French language in Việt Nam, including the chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs and chairwoman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophone (APF)’s Vietnam-subcommittee, Nguyễn Thúy Anh, as well as director of OIF, Adama Ouane, and Eric-Normand Thibeault, director for Asia-Pacific of OIF.

Addressing the ceremony, the Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister praised the achievements of the Francophonie in all fields of co-operation as well as their positive contribution to dealing with global challenges in terms of security and development.

“The co-operation between Việt Nam and Francophone communities has been increasingly tightened. Việt Nam, whose role and position have been constantly reinforced and improved, will continue to actively contribute to the solidarity and co-operation within the Francophonie for a global peace and sustainable development, as well as being willing to bridge the strong development of Francophone within the Asian-Pacific region,” he said.

Adama Ouane, director of OIF, expressed his delight at the continuous development of the co-operative relationship between OIF and Việt Nam. He also highly evaluated Việt Nam’s contributions in connecting the Francophonie with the Asian-Pacific region.

Ouane confirmed that OIF appreciated the co-operation with Việt Nam, particularly in the teaching of the language, promoting cultural diversity, launching the Economic Strategy for the International Francophonie and participating in the United Nations’ missions of peace keeping and dealing with climate change.

At the ceremony, Belgian Ambassador to Việt Nam Jehane Roccas, also the president of GADIF, presented two awards to two Vietnamese people who made important contributions to the promotion of the French language, to the development of the Francophonie and the friendship between Việt Nam and the International Organisation of La Francophone in 2017.

The Honour Award was given to Associate Professor Dr Trịnh Văn Minh of the Việt Nam National University, Hà Nội and President of the Regional Committee of Experts of l’Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) (Francophone Universities Association) in Asia Pacific region. The Ambassador also presented the Youth Award to Dr Trần Thị Nguyên Ny, professor at the HCM City Medicine and Pharmacy University, one of the most dynamic members of AUF.

The GADIF award is annually given to outstanding individuals with significant contributions to the development of the French language in Việt Nam and the co-operative relations between Việt Nam and the OIF.

The ceremony was followed by art performances honouring cultural and linguistic diversity by students from Đoàn Thị Điểm Primary School and artists from Switzerland and Việt Nam. — VNS