A Vietnam Day was recently held in France’s Essonne province to raise funds for Vietnamese Agent Orange /Dioxin (AO) victims in Van Canh Village in Hanoi.

The event was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Mayor of Evry City Diego Diaz, President of the French Friendship Committee for Van Canh Peace Village Raphael Vahe, who is also President of the French Republic's Association of War Veterans and Victims.

Vigneux-sur-Seine Mayor Serge Poinsot presenting gift to Ambassador Dang Giang. Photo: Vietnam+

The event began with the screening of a documentary titled “Tro lai dia nguc” (Back to the hell) on the AO community’s ordeal after the war.

At the event, Secretary of the France – Vietnam Friendship Association Jean Pierre Archambault lauded the political and socio-economic development Vietnam has made over the past 30 years.

Raphael recalled the process to build the Van Canh village, saying that it is a symbol of cooperation to address the war’s aftermath, and pledged that his committee will continue its support for the Village.

A highlight of the event was the speech made by Vietnamese French lawyer Sandrine Le Pironnec, hailing the courage of Tran To Nga, who is pursuing a lawsuit against US chemical firms to demand justice for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son expressed his hope that French people will provide support for Vietnam in its national building.

Source: VNA