Vietnam attended the Francophone festival held in Yebles commune, Seine et Marne province, in the outskirts of Paris, on March 25-26.

Vietnamese pavilion at the event

The event drew embassies, organisations and associations from 36 member countries of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

It aims to promote cultural and linguistic diversity in the Francophone community.

Mayor of Yebles Marieme Tamata Varin said the festival, the second of its kind in the commune, allows participating countries to explore a variety of cultures and increase friendship.

She highly valued the active engagement of Vietnam in the event.

Thought this is the first time Vietnam has joined the festival, the country has made impressions with notable activities featuring its culture, tourism and cuisine, she said.

The commune is honoured to welcome Vietnam in the next event in March 2019, she added.

Director of the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France Nguyen Thanh Vuong said Vietnam set up two pavilions displaying fine-art handicraft products and traditional dishes.

International friends also enjoyed a show of “ao dai” (Vietnamese traditional dress), and performances of traditional musical instruments.

The OIF, gathering 84 states and governments, including 58 members and 26 observers from the world with over 90 million people, boosts cooperation among French-speaking countries.

Vietnam joined the OIF when it was established in 1970 and is considered a founding member of the organisation.

VNA