2023 marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and France (April 12), 10 years of upgrading the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. On the basis of the cooperation relationship between the two countries, the friendship and cooperation ties between Da Nang and French localities have made progress, and especially the city's people-to-people diplomacy has contributed to promoting closer people-to-people relations.

The talk show ‘Imprints of French architecture in Da Nang’ held at Danang Museum. Photo: T.PHUONG

French culture in the heart of Da Nang

On the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and France, the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations has closely coordinated with relevant local units to organise many meaningful cultural activities and events, and strengthen solidarity and friendship between Da Nang and French localities.

As announced by Chairman of the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Ngoc Binh, on March 18 and 19, this agency successfully organised a Francophone cultural exchange festival with many exciting activities including Francophone football tournament, French singing festival, a competition to learn about Viet Nam - France diplomatic relations and cooperation via internet and painting contest, French language golden bell ringing competition.

These activities are aimed at enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between Viet Nam - France and Francophone communities, encouraging the movement of learning the French language in the city, contributing to further tightening the friendly relationship between the two countries.

Also revealed by Mr. Binh, a series of events will be held in the anniversary year such as hosting the final round of the 1^st National Francophone Singing Festival - Da Nang 2023 and music exchanges between French and Vietnamese musicians, and Men's International Music Day in June, 2023.

French classes at the Da Nang- based French Institute, and exchanges of activities at the city's French club for members of the Viet Nam - France Friendship Association in Da Nang will take place. 

To mark this occasion, the Museum of Da Nang will organise the programme ‘French cultural imprints in Da Nang’ on April 9 in order to contribute to promoting and deepening the relationship between Viet Nam and France.

Under the much-awaited programme, activities imbued with traditional French culture at the programme such as talk show ‘French architectural imprints in Da Nang’ and a photo exhibition of French architectural works in Da Nang and enjoying French cuisine with some typical French dishes, drawing and decorating baked cookies and joining some folk games of the two countries.

Also the programme, the Director of the French Institute of Viet Nam in Da Nang Samuel Delameziere shared: "I am very pleased that the Da Nang Museum collaborated with related units to organsze the programme ‘The imprints of French culture in Da Nang’.

This event significantly contributes to further tightening the cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries. I hope that 50 years of this diplomatic relationship will turn into 100 years or more, and France will always accompany Da Nang in celebrating special events with Da Nang.”

Attending the ‘French cultural imprints in Da Nang’ programme, Ms. Huynh Thi Ngoc Ngoan, a teacher of the French language at the Da Nang-based Phan Chau Trinh Senior High School, expressed that this year marks 50 years of establishing diplomatic relationships between the two countries. Therefore, there are many interesting activities that attract many young people, and especially, help them gain a deeper insights into the French culture. French culture has really gone deep into the heart of Da Nang, especially the French language.

“When I teach my students about familiar French words like café (coffee), film (movie), cinéma (cinema) guitare (guitar), le bus (bus), they were all surprised that many English words are of French origin. That demonstrates that the imprints of French culture in Vietnam help to enrich our own national culture, making the people between the two countries more and more connected.

Acting as a bridge of culture and education

The French Institute in Da Nang is considered to be a bridge that carries a mission of promoting the French language and culture in the city. In 2022, the institute cooperated with related agencies to organise an exhibition of paintings ‘Viet Nam Urban Arts’, ‘Night of piano - violin duets’ and photo exhibitions at the Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts.

Mr. Samuel Delameziere said: "Our cultural exchange activities have been highly praised by many Da Nang dwellers with enthusiastic response. Events like these created favourable conditions for French expats living in Da Nang and Da Nang inhabitants to boost cultural exchanges and connections. Moreover, I feel that the people of the two countries are getting closer and closer.”

Besides serving as a cultural bridge between the two countries, the French Institute in Da Nang is a place for French language training for all levels and ages. Not only that, the primary schools of Phu Dong and Hoang Van Thu, the junior high schools of Trung Vuong and Nguyen Hue and senior high schools of Le Quy Don, Phan Chau Trinh and Hoang Hoa Tham now run French classes. Therefore, Mr. Samuel Delamezier expressed his joy that many young people in Da Nang want to speak French and love French culture.

“I believe and hope to create a strong French community in this beautiful coastal city. Moreover, the French government always creates the best conditions for international students to study in France, giving its best support to ensure the quality of French teaching in Da Nang and fostering capacity of teachers in Viet Nam”, said Mr. Samuel Delamezier.

Reporting by THANH PHUONG - Translating by A.THU