The message was delivered by Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at a ceremony to mark the Francophone Day held at the International Convention Centre in Hanoi, on March 20.

The Vietnamese diplomat affirmed that Vietnam, in the new post as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, will continue to strive for peace, security, cooperation and development, and other noble goals pursued by both Francophone and international communities.

The Director of the Regional Bureau of Asia-Pacific under the International Francophone Organisation (OIF), Patrice Burel, highlighted French-speaking organisations, associations, clubs and schools in Vietnam for their efforts in promoting the use of French in the country.

He said the OIF and Vietnamese relevant ministries and agencies have defined cooperation orientations for this year, including the construction of an “intellectual house” in the former imperial city of Hue.

On the occasion, a representative from the group of 23 embassies, delegations and the OIF based in Hanoi presented an award to Huu Ngoc, a cultural activist, honouring his role in promoting the Vietnamese culture abroad and the use of French in Vietnam.