Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang, permanent representative of the President to the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF) and the International Organisation of La Francophone (Photo: VNA)

“The presence of Vietnam’s top leader at the Summit for the first time affirms Vietnam’s highest-level commitment, contribution, and responsibility to the development of the Francophone community,” said Thang.

He added, “This will showcase its efforts to enhance the image and presence of the Francophone community in the Asia-Pacific region. It also illustrates Vietnam's willingness to act as a bridge to promote the relationship between the Francophone community and the region.”

Thang said Vietnam and the Francophone community will continue to nurture and elevate their long-term and sustainable cooperation and partnership in the coming time.

Vietnam has fully and effectively participated in most of the priority issues of the community, from the planning of cooperation strategies in economic-trade-investment and French language education and culture to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.

The diplomat underscored the needs for Vietnam to develop a comprehensive cooperation plan with the Francophone community and strengthen cooperation with developing countries in the OIF, particularly African countries, which will account for 85% of the world’s French-speaking population by 2050.

“To enhance Vietnam-French cooperation, it’s necessary to make drastic changes in key areas to meet the development needs of the community and every country, and adopt a cooperation policy aimed at all members of the Francophone community,” said Thang.