Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thien Nhan made the statement in a recent interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent about his working visit to France from October 5-10.

A protocol to this effect is likely to be signed between the two countries during the upcoming Vietnam visit by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon this November, Nhan added.

During a week-long visit to France, the Deputy PM attended the 35^th General Assembly of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris on October 7, had a working session with France’s Ministry of Higher University and Research and met with representatives of 30 member countries of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Addressing the plenary session of UNESCO’s 35^th General Assembly, Deputy PM Nhan called for increased exchanges of experience among UNESCO members in terms of how to tap recognised cultural resources and educate students about cultural values.

He also called on UNESCO to early recognize Vietnam’s natural sites as world biosphere reserves.

Nhan announced that Vietnam will host the international conference on “Cultural Heritage - the Role of the United Nations and Activities of Schools” that is likely to be held in 2011.