Mrs. Sophie Maysonnave, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities at the French Embassy in Viet Nam cum Director of the French Institute in Viet Nam, recently had a working session with the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations (DAFO) and the city branch of the Viet Nam - France Friendship Association

The meeting featured discussions on cooperation activities between DAFO, the city branch of the Viet Nam - France Friendship Association, and the French Institutes in Da Nang and Viet Nam as a whole in the coming time.

Specifically, the focus was on how to raise the level of people-to-people diplomacy activities, and preparations for the 50^th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam - France diplomatic ties (April 12, 1973 - April 12, 2023).

Special attention was paid to the organisation of Francophone cultural exchange activities to mark the International Francophone Day (March 20), the final round of the National French Speaking Contest in Da Nang in 2023, and the National Francophone Singing Festival in Da Nang in 2023.

Counsellor Sophie Maysonnave put a spotlight on the need for the two sides to strengthen exchange programmes in the aspects of culture, arts, sports, education, economy, and society in the time ahead.

She added that heed should be on promoting the images of Da Nang to French citizens and the Francophone community, and at the same time introducing the country, people and culture of France to the people of Da Nang in particular and Viet Nam in general.

In reply, DAFO Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Binh expressed his hope that in the coming time the two sides would continue to strengthen coordination and exchange activities to promote the development of the bilateral relations in all spheres.

Reporting by LVT - Translating by M.DUNG