International Francophone Day celebrated in Vietnam

Hanoi, March 21 (VNA) – A ceremony took place on March 18 at the Hanoi Opera House to celebrate the International Francophone Day (March 20). Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc hailed the French-speaking community’s contributions to boosting cooperation for peace and development in the world, affirming that Vietnam has been keen on strengthening its relationship with the Francophone community. Eric Normand Thibeault, Director for Asia-Pacific of the International Francophone Organisation (IFO), lauded Vietnam’s commitments with the Francophone community as well as its participation in UN peace-keeping missions, especially in some French-speaking countries. He affirmed that the IFO is willing to support Vietnam in the field. Also at the ceremony, the Group of Francophone Ambassadors presented awards to Nguyen Thi Cuc Phuong, Vice Rector of the Hanoi University, and Tran Thi Lan Anh, a lecturer from the Hanoi University of Home Affairs, for their contributions to promoting the French language in Vietnam.