On December 27, in Hanoi, the association-formerly known as the Vietnam - France Friendship Association-held a ceremony to celebrate its 70th anniversary (1955 - 2025).

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Thuy Anh, Chairwoman of the association, reviewed its 70-year journey and affirmed that it was among Vietnam’s earliest people’s organizations.

Over the past seven decades, the association has made major contributions to implementing the Party’s guidelines and State policies on people-to-people diplomacy. It played a crucial role in mobilizing the French public to support Vietnam during the struggle for independence, national reunification, and post-war reconstruction.

In later periods, the association shifted its focus toward cooperation in culture, education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to help Vietnam overcome wartime legacies and the impact of embargoes.

Adapting flexibly to each stage of development, the association has contributed to the elevation of bilateral relations-from a Strategic Partnership in 2013 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.

“The Vietnam - France Friendship and Cooperation Association has always served as a trusted, dynamic, and creative people’s organization that adapts to each new phase in the development of both countries,” said Nguyen Thuy Anh.

“No matter the circumstances, the association remains steadfast in its mission to foster mutual understanding, promote cooperation, and nurture the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and France,” she added.

In the context of people-to-people diplomacy being one of the three pillars of Vietnam’s foreign policy, the association pledged to continue innovating and expanding its network of partners in areas such as healthcare, culture, and education. It also aims to strengthen youth and sports cooperation while promoting Vietnam’s image in France to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship.

Representing generations of leaders, former chairman Nguyen Huy Quang expressed his emotion at seeing veteran members alongside talented young delegates-parliamentarians, diplomats, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs-symbolizing the vitality and continuity of the association.

He noted that the association has transformed in line with its 2009 rebranding to emphasize “friendship and cooperation.” Notably, in the healthcare field, five chapters at major hospitals-including Bach Mai, Viet Duc, K Hospital, E Hospital, and Hanoi Medical University-have carried out effective training and technology-transfer programs with French partners.

For its outstanding contributions, the Vietnam - France Friendship and Cooperation Association was presented with the second-class Labor Medal. Several distinguished members were also honored with the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.

The ceremony took place at Hanoi Medical University-an institution closely associated with Professor Ho Dac Di, the university’s first rector and the founding president of the Vietnam - France Friendship Association.

Du Lam