The event is of great significance as it kicks off a series of activities in France during 2014 to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between France and Vietnam.

The opening witnessed the attendance of Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh.

Addressing the event, Minister Tuan Anh reviewed the fine development of the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries over the past 40 years.

He thanked the French government and people for their support and encouragement during Vietnam’s national construction and development.

Minister Anh stressed that the success of the 2013 French Year in Vietnam have significantly contributed to this fine bilateral relationship, with a number of milestones including the establishment of the two countries’ strategic partnership during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to France last year.

The 2014 Vietnam Year in France aims to further introduce to French friends of Vietnam, a country rich in culture and is dynamically developing.

Minister Anh said that in addition to activities in cultural and art exchanges, cooperative programs in politics, diplomacy, economics, science and technology, and education will be held in both Vietnam and France this year.

These activities are expected to realize cooperation intentions of partners from both sides.