Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (photo) made the statement at a ceremony in Hanoi on March 20 to mark International Francophone Day.

He spoke highly of the International Francophone Organisation (OIF)’s efforts in restoring peace and promoting cultural and language diversity and economic development cooperation.

He stressed the vitality of the French language in Vietnam through a series of activities held across the country on this occasion, including the French Film Festival, the “Dynamique 2009” Contest and seminars on the French-speaking situation in Vietnam.

Vietnam always attaches importance to intensifying the relationship with the OIF and its member countries, considering this one of the priority areas in its foreign policy, said Mr Minh.

For his part, Patrice Burel, Director of the Regional Bureau of Asia Pacific (BRAP) under the OIF, said that the 12^th Francophone Summit, held in Canada last October, defined the French language as one of the Francophone community’s priorities. He confirmed that his bureau will work closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to revitalize the French learning in the country.

During the event, a special art performance was given with the participation of famous Belgian singer Gibut and French students from several universities nationwide.

VietNamNet/VOV