For Vietnam, French represents historical legacy, dynamic cooperation, says Deputy FM
(VOVWORLD) -For Vietnam, French represents both a historical legacy and a vibrant platform for cooperation that supports the country's extensive international integration, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang at a Hanoi ceremony marking the International Francophonie Day on March 20.
 Celebration of International Francophone Day. Photo: baovanhoa.vn |
Held at the Temple of Literature complex on Friday evening, the event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Asia-Pacific regional office of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
In his address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giang said Vietnam values cooperation with the Francophone community and remains committed to playing an active and responsible role in advancing the shared goals. Vietnam will work closely with other member states to make practical contributions to the success of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, he added.
 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang delivers a speech. Photo: baovanhoa.vn |
In a message sent to Vietnam’s Francophone community, OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo praised Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role as a pillar of the Francophone community in the Asia-Pacific, while placing special emphasis on the youth’s role in nurturing dialogue, fostering social cohesion and shaping a peaceful future.
Looking toward the 2026 summit, Mushikiwabo urged OIF members, including Vietnam, to sustain their collaborative efforts in advancing multilateralism and amplifying the Francophone community's voice and influence on the global stage.
Themed “A Generation of Peace? Youth Contributions to a More Peaceful World,” this year’s International Francophone Day celebration sends a powerful message about the pioneering role of the younger generation in social cohesion and peacebuilding. Not only are young people the next generation, but they are the driving force behind dialogue, bridging differences, and spreading tolerance and cooperation – core values that define the identity of the Francophone Community.
International Francophone Day, celebrated on March 20, officially began in 1980 with the aim of honoring the Francophone language and cultural diversity, and promoting international cooperation among member states. Today, nearly 400 million people worldwide, including one million in Vietnam, use French.