In the crisp early-year chill typical of Northern Vietnam, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet donned a traditional Vietnamese áo dài and visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, where he engaged in a series of cultural experiences steeped in history.

The ambassador was guided through the iconic site - the first university of Vietnam - where he admired ancient architecture and made meaningful stops at landmarks such as the Khue Van Pavilion, the Doctors’ Stone Steles garden, and the Dai Thanh Sanctuary.

Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam is the same historical venue where Party General Secretary To Lam and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during their visit in May last year.

During his visit, Ambassador Brochet extended his congratulations on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He reaffirmed France’s trust in Vietnam’s development path and expressed his country’s readiness to partner with Vietnam in the years to come.

He immersed himself in the serene, timeless atmosphere of Vietnamese traditional culture.

The ambassador paid special attention to the historical, cultural, and artistic value of the World Documentary Heritage - Vietnam’s 82 stone steles honoring Doctoral Laureates.

He praised Vietnam’s long-standing reverence for education, respect for teachers, and commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent.

Reflecting on his time in the country since his posting began in September 2023, Ambassador Brochet shared how every French visitor he’s accompanied to Vietnam has left with a sense of admiration and awe.

As part of the cultural experience, he also practiced traditional calligraphy.

With guidance from a calligraphy artist, he penned his own character and was gifted a scroll bearing the word "Peace" (Hòa Bình).

He later took part in a ceremonial drum performance at the Thai Hoc courtyard, an act often symbolizing the opening of scholarly or cultural gatherings.

Ambassador Brochet then visited an exhibition titled “Horses Return to the City,” themed around the symbolism of the horse in East Asian culture - representing dynamism, freedom, passion, luck, and success. The phrase “Mã đáo thành công” (success gallops in with the horse) was a focal inspiration of the showcase.

In a heartfelt New Year message, he wished all Vietnamese people a year of bold strides and continued triumphs, like the gallop of a determined steed.

He also expressed his hope for even stronger, more dynamic relations between France and Vietnam in the near future.

Tran Thuong & Thach Thao