The anniversary ceremony was held at Hanoi Medical University, a place associated with the name of Professor Ho Dac Di, the school principal and the first President of the Association.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-France Friendship Parliamentary Group, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association shared that 70 years ago, when the Indochina War had just ended, Vietnam-France relations faced a major historical challenge.
In that context, on July 2, 1955, the Vietnam-France Friendship Association was established, demonstrating the deep vision of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh; promoting friendship between the people, considering foreign affairs as an important part of Vietnam's foreign policy.
During the years of the resistance war against the US for national salvation, the Association played an active role on the international public opinion front. Through close coordination with the France-Vietnam Friendship Association and progressive forces in France, the Association mobilized the widespread support of the French people and international friends for the righteous struggle of the Vietnamese people. These efforts contributed to creating a wave of international public opinion supporting Vietnam, and at the same time provided practical support for the Vietnamese Negotiating Delegation in Paris, leading to the Paris Agreement in 1973.
In particular, in 1973, Vietnam and France officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new stage for bilateral relations, in which people-to-people diplomacy continued to be a reliable and sustainable connection channel between the two countries.
After the country was unified, the Association shifted its focus from public opinion struggle to cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, becoming an effective bridge in promoting cultural, educational, scientific, medical and humanitarian cooperation; mobilizing the valuable support of French friends in overcoming the consequences of war and socio-economic development, even during the years when the country was still besieged and embargoed, the Association still persistently maintained people-to-people cooperation channels, contributing to consolidating trust and expanding Vietnam's international relations.
Entering the period of integration, the Association constantly innovates, shifting its focus to cultural, educational, medical cooperation and supporting Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war and breaking the encirclement and embargo. The Association always adapts flexibly to each stage of development, typically upgrading the relationship between the two countries to a Strategic Partnership (2013) and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024).
No matter what the circumstances, the Association remains steadfast in its goal of strengthening understanding, promoting cooperation and nurturing friendly feelings between the people of the two countries" - Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh emphasized.
Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, Mr. Phan Anh Son - Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations clearly stated: Entering a new stage, in the context of the rapid and complex global and regional situation, the Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association needs to continue to innovate its thinking and operating methods, linking the Association's activities with strategic priorities in the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and major orientations, socio-economic development goals of Vietnam; promote the role of connecting intellectuals, experts, youth, and the Vietnamese community in France, creating sustainable social spread for the two countries' relations.
With great contributions, the Vietnam - France Friendship and Cooperation Association was honored to be awarded the Second-class Labor Medal by the Party and State. Also on this occasion, a number of typical members were awarded the Medal "For Peace and Friendship Between Nations" of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.
