Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President To Lam will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this weekend, reaffirming the country's commitment to multilateral cooperation and its longstanding role in the Francophone community.

Held under the theme "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability," the summit is the highest-level gathering of the Francophone community, bringing together 90 member states, associate members and observers of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Following his participation in the 19th Francophonie Summit in France in 2024, To Lam's attendance this year underscores Vietnam's continued commitment to the organization and its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification of international relations and proactive global integration.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong said the Francophone community connects countries across multiple continents, representing diverse interests and levels of development.

At the summit, Vietnam aims to work with other members to promote dialogue, strengthen solidarity and expand partnerships that support national development.

To Lam is expected to attend summit sessions, present Vietnam's perspectives on major challenges facing the Francophone community and deliver remarks at the opening of FrancoTech, an event promoting economic, scientific, technological and innovation cooperation among member countries.

Strengthening Vietnam-Cambodia ties and international partnerships

This year's summit carries particular significance because it is being held in Cambodia, marking only the second time the event has taken place in the Asia-Pacific region, following the seventh Francophonie Summit in Hanoi in 1997.

To Lam's participation demonstrates Vietnam's support for Cambodia as the host country.

Expected meetings with Cambodian leaders will provide opportunities to strengthen political trust, improve coordination at regional and international forums, and deepen the two countries' relations based on good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability.

The summit will also offer opportunities for To Lam to meet leaders from other Francophone countries, particularly African nations, to discuss ways of expanding practical and effective cooperation.

These engagements are expected to support Vietnam's efforts to diversify international partnerships and strengthen its connections with countries across the Francophone world.

Vietnam's longstanding contributions to the Francophone community

Vietnam has been an active and responsible member of the Francophone community, contributing to the expansion of its cooperation agenda and the development of stronger connections among member countries.

A major milestone was the seventh Francophonie Summit, hosted by Hanoi in 1997.

It was the first Francophonie Summit held in Asia and the gathering at which member countries elected the OIF's first Secretary-General.

At that summit, Vietnam proposed strengthening economic cooperation, helping broaden the organization's activities beyond its traditional focus on language and culture to include economic and social development.

Since then, Vietnam has continued to serve as a bridge for Francophone cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The country has promoted partnerships in education, training, research and human resource development, while contributing to the formulation and implementation of cooperation strategies and programs.

Vietnam has also provided resources and personnel to Francophone institutions.

Hanoi currently hosts the OIF's Asia-Pacific Regional Office, while Ho Chi Minh City is home to the Asia-Pacific Regional Francophone Centre.

Both institutions contribute to French-language education and broader Francophone cooperation across the region.

Vietnam prioritizes peace and development-oriented cooperation

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vietnam will emphasize two main priorities at the Phnom Penh summit.

The first is promoting peace, stability, dialogue, mutual trust and the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international relations.

The second is aligning Francophone cooperation more closely with the development needs of member countries.

Alongside traditional strengths in language, culture and education, Vietnam wants to see stronger cooperation in economics, science, technology, innovation and human resource development.

Cuong stressed the importance of translating cooperation priorities into concrete programs and measurable outcomes that deliver practical benefits to citizens.

Having experienced war and subsequently pursued national reconstruction and development, Vietnam deeply understands the value of peace.

From Vietnam's perspective, the Francophone community offers a distinctive platform where countries with different geographical, cultural and economic backgrounds can work together around shared values of peace, solidarity and dialogue.

This diversity provides a foundation for stronger connections and broader participation in collective efforts toward peace and development.

The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the summit would generate fresh momentum for reforming the Francophone community's activities and identifying practical, achievable priorities for future cooperation.

Holding the summit in the Asia-Pacific region also creates opportunities to strengthen connections between Francophone members in Asia and their counterparts in Africa, Europe and other regions.

Vietnam stands ready to work with other members to build a united, dynamic and people-centered Francophone community in which diversity becomes a source of strength for cooperation and development.

Tran Thuong