(VOVworld) – The 1945 August Revolution and Independence Day on September 2 are of great significance to Vietnam, said Vietnamese ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung at a ceremony yesterday to mark those historical landmarks.

Dung reviewed the great achievements that the Vietnamese people have gained since President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, fathering an independent Vietnam on September 2, 1945. He said after 67 years, including 25 years of renewal and open-door policy, Vietnam has become a dynamic economy and a reliable and responsible partner fully integrated into the world. The ambassador also stressed the importance of the Vietnam-France and Vietnam- Andorra relationship: "Vietnam and France are about to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties and our exchange activities will start in the next two years. In the current context of a changing world and developed Vietnam-France cooperation, the two countries should focus more on building a strategic partnership to fully tap each country’s potentials, seize opportunities and weather difficulties".

Newly appointed French ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier spoke at the ceremony: "It is my honor to be present at this ceremony marking your Independence Day, which recalls lots of my memories of Vietnam. This is such a great opportunity to begin my duties by discussing with Vietnamese representatives what should be done to promote the two countries’ cooperation. A Vietnam-France “cross year” will be held next year along with a wide range of activities to make our countries’ relations flourish".