The event drew nearly 1,000 guests, including senior French officials, representatives of international organizations, friendship associations and the Vietnamese community in France.
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Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang and delegates at the ceremony |
Thang recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence in 1945, describing it as a historic turning point and the awakening of a nation determined to take control of its destiny.
He emphasized that the 80th anniversary is not only a time for reflection but also a pledge for the future, with Vietnam aiming to become a developed and prosperous nation by 2045.
The ambassador highlighted recent milestones in Vietnam – France relations, notably the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Paris in November 2024, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Vietnam in May 2025, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to France in June 2025. Vietnam welcomes France’s active engagement in the Indo-Pacific, sharing aspirations for an open, inclusive and peaceful region underpinned by international law, particularly the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Anne-Marie Descôtes praised Vietnam’s modernization drive and ambitious reforms, noting that France is the only E.U. country with a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam. She affirmed France’s wish to deepen cooperation in transport, health, energy and space, stressing that bilateral ties are vital amid global tensions.
Descôtes highlighted the strong people-to-people links, with the Vietnamese community in France – the second largest overseas – contributing significantly to cultural, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening the Francophone space.
The ceremony concluded with Vietnamese cultural performances and traditional cuisine, offering guests an authentic taste of Vietnam and further promoting the country’s image to French and international friends.
Source: VNA