Minister Bricq said the opening ceremony marked the start of the Vietnam-France programme that lasts through to mid-2014 with a wide range of exchange activities to be held, ranging from economics to culture, arts, tertiary education, tourism, sports, architecture, fashion and design.

She described the France-Vietnam relationship as trustworthy and said France wants to strengthen ties with Vietnam to support its development process.

For his part, Minister Anh recalled the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France over the past 40 years, saying bilateral relations have developed comprehensively in all areas.

France is one of Vietnam's leading economic partners in Europe, said Anh, adding that France's effective assistance has made a significant contribution to Vietnam's poverty reduction, socio-economic development, and sustainable development.

Both countries have maintained high-level reciprocal visits, mechanisms for bilateral dialogues, and effective cooperation at regional and international forums.

Bilateral cooperation in education-training and culture has also progressed over the years. Currently, more than 7,000 Vietnamese students are studying at French universities, making them the second largest Asian community in France.

Vietnam will work closely with France to successfully organise the France Year in Vietnam and the Vietnam Year in France between 2013 and 2014, Minister Anh said.