Vietnam respects ties with OIF, says Vice President

Ms Doan made the statement at a January 10 reception in Hanoi for OIF Administrator Clement Duhaime. She applauded the OIF’s recent development as well as its role in settling international issues related to peace, security, development, culture, the environment and poverty reduction.

Vice President Doan praised the Vietnam-OIF cooperative relationship and affirmed Vietnam’s policy of backing OIF’s initiatives, especially those related to public governance and environmental protection, which have been chosen as the themes of the 14th Francophone summit to be held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in October 2012.

As a dynamic member of the OIF, Vietnam has put forward initiatives to resolve major issues of concern to the organisation such as reducing poverty and strengthening solidarity between OIF members, she said.

Ms Doan also appreciated the OIF’s assistance in training young Vietnamese diplomats and boosting French language training in the country.

Mr Duhaime highlighted Vietnam’s role in the region, OIF, and other international forums, saying he hopes that Vietnam will be able to contribute to the success of the upcoming summit and continue to respond to challenges.

The OIF needs Vietnam’s positive contributions, he said, proposing that both sides join hands to ensure peace, combat poverty, and protect the environment.

The OIF administrator also pledged to promote French language learning in Vietnam by sponsoring a project to train Vietnamese diplomats and officials.

• Vietnam attends Francophone ministerial meeting in Paris