(VOVworld) – Vietnam has called on all the International Francophone Organisation’s member countries to make greater efforts to boost the strength and solidarity of the community, making its say heard and its role increased in addressing international affairs. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh made the appeal at a ceremony in Hanoi to mark International Francophone Day on March 20. He said 'Along with its participation in international and regional forums and its pursuit of cooperative relations with countries around the world, Vietnam insists on maintaining close ties with the International Francophone Organisation and its member countries'.

In her speech, Deputy Director of the Regional Bureau of Asia Pacific, Anissa Barrak, praised Vietnam’s contributions adding 'With its high economic growth and dynamism in diplomatic activities and international relations, Vietnam plays an important role in consolidating the relationship between French speaking countries in the region and all over the world. Vietnam, along with Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, is a major link between the organization and ASEAN. Vietnam has made great efforts in promoting French language training in its schools'.

On the occasion, two individuals were honoured for their contributions to the development of the French speaking community.