Editorial Note: Tet (Lunar New Year) is a time to honor one’s roots, to enjoy the warmth of reunion, and to celebrate with loved ones.

Tet is also a time to reflect on the past and look forward to a new year filled with hope and good fortune.

In the spirit of welcoming the Year of the Snake (2025), VietNamNet shares stories about Tet, national identity, and a new era - a time for the nation to rise and thrive.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet personally decorated his house, arranged flowers, prepared traditional sweets, and served fine tea to welcome guests during Tet. He shared his thoughts with VietNamNet on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

Is this the first time you’ve worn the áo dài? How do you feel about Tet in Vietnam, and how do you see the way the Vietnamese celebrate it?

Ambassador Olivier Brochet: Last year, I had the chance to experience Tet in Hanoi, and it was truly fascinating. I was especially impressed by the Vietnamese approach to Tet and its significance, which, in some ways, is similar to our Christmas celebration in France.

Tet is a time focused on family and honoring one’s roots with love and deep spiritual values - values that are deeply connected to the holiday. Moreover, Vietnamese people have beautiful customs to remember and pay respects to their ancestors, parents, and teachers.

The events during Tet also resemble Christmas celebrations. Last year, I visited flower markets, visited gardens growing kumquat trees and peach blossoms. The image of people transporting everything from flowers to trees on their motorbikes, bustling around the streets, was very unique. I took many photos of people carrying these large, bulky items.

The áo dài is a beautiful image of Vietnam. Every international visitor who comes to Vietnam is struck by the sight of women in áo dài, and I am no exception. After spending time in Vietnam, I realized that men can also wear áo dài, though it’s less common and reserved for special occasions. Therefore, I ordered a custom-made áo dài from a well-known designer, and I felt very honored to wear it during Tet.

Honestly, because it was my first time wearing it, I felt a bit awkward, much like I did when I wore a suit for the first time at age 20. But I think I will get used to it after a few more Tet holidays. When my family visited me during Christmas, I wore the áo dài to show them.

Looking back at the relations between our two countries over the past years, with many significant milestones and achievements, could you share your thoughts on the relationship between Vietnam and France?

The relationship between France and Vietnam has a long history. In 2023, we celebrated the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

2024 was an important year, with two key events: the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which France attended with the Minister of Defense and the Secretary of State for Veterans; and the visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary, To Lam, to France for the 19th Francophonie Summit. This was the first meeting between the heads of state of both countries. Vietnam and France have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

For us, this is a symbol of friendship and trust, with Vietnam showing its confidence in France. With the new framework, France is committed to supporting Vietnam as it navigates current challenges.

Another important event is the launch of Hanoi’s Metro Line 3, a landmark project in the Vietnam-France cooperation. France contributed 500 million euros to fund this rail project, with French companies also actively involved in providing the best technologies.

We are very pleased with the project’s success. It is estimated that around 2-3 million people use this public transportation system, a testament to our commitment to working together with Vietnam on green transportation and sustainable development.

In the Vietnam-France Joint Statement about upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we outlined the future direction for our collaboration.

The devastating Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi) hit Vietnam in September 2024, causing severe damage in the northern provinces. This highlighted the risks posed by climate change and the need for cooperation in addressing it.

The storm also demonstrated the solidarity between our two nations. After learning of the damage, President Macron immediately decided to support Vietnam. Additionally, the French community in Vietnam and French businesses joined hands to help Vietnam recover from the aftermath.

In February, France will host an international conference on artificial intelligence, followed by a conference on climate change, and in June 2025, the United Nations Ocean Summit. We hope Vietnam will participate and contribute to these global events.

Regarding the potential for cooperation, France is keen to work with Vietnam on energy transition and development, aiming for growth while minimizing environmental impacts. We will continue to focus on developing renewable energy.

France is also ready to cooperate with Vietnam on nuclear energy development. France is a world leader in nuclear power, with over 60 years of experience.

Additionally, France is known for its high-speed rail systems (TGV), and we are eager to collaborate on the North-South high-speed rail project in Vietnam. France has successfully exported this technology to several countries, including Morocco.

Lastly, we are keen to work with Vietnam on ecological agriculture to ensure sustainable development.

We have already collaborated on the development of e-governance in Vietnam, bringing government services closer to citizens, digital transformation, and training for administrative institutions. We understand that this is an area where General Secretary To Lam aims for breakthroughs in the near future, and we have ample opportunity for cooperation.

As for training human resources, I believe that achieving ambitious goals requires addressing the issue of skilled labor. We are always ready to facilitate the education of Vietnamese students in France. We hope many young Vietnamese will choose French university programs, either in Vietnam or in French universities.

In the 40 years of renewal, Vietnam has always set ambitious goals. More importantly, Vietnam has shown the ability to achieve these goals.

France has been one of the first Western partners to accompany Vietnam in its development since opening up. Today, we are committed to continuing our partnership with Vietnam in the future.

We are confident that Vietnam has the resources and the means to achieve its objectives.

Since 2020, two key Vietnamese leaders - General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh - have visited France, and French Senate President Gérard Larcher visited Vietnam in 2022. In 2025, could you share any upcoming high-level visits, particularly from France’s leadership?

High-level visits often come as a pleasant surprise. During the October visit to France, General Secretary To Lam and President Macron discussed many interesting topics. Both leaders demonstrated mutual understanding and expressed a desire to meet again to continue exchanges and deepen the bilateral relationship.

Since that meeting, we are preparing for the next important visits. We hope for a concrete outcome in 2025, but we will keep it under wraps for now to surprise everyone.

Publicly, I can share that French Senate President Larcher has invited Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, to visit France this year.

At the end of 2024, you, along with the Vietnamese press, experienced significant France-Vietnam cooperation projects in Hanoi. Can you share more about these ongoing projects?

Regarding the renovation of the Long Bien Bridge, the French company is conducting technical research and feasibility studies for the project, which is expected to be completed by this fall. The process is detailed and requires careful planning for the bridge’s restoration. Like Vietnam, France is eagerly awaiting the results.

France is ready to provide both financial and technical support for this project, hoping that Vietnam will quickly decide on the most suitable approach for upgrading Long Bien Bridge.

Though I initially knew little about Hanoi and only began exploring the city after taking office, I have been deeply impressed by it after more than a year here.

One of the most striking things about the city is the harmonious blend of the old and the new, which is not found everywhere.

Every time I stroll through the city, I am fascinated by Hanoi’s cultural life, no matter where I am. The city has many modern movie theaters and theaters, such as the Ho Guom Theater near the French Embassy, hosting events that attract a young audience.

Another unique feature I love about Hanoi is how it has managed to preserve its historical character, especially in the central areas. This presents a challenge for the capital in the future, balancing modernization while maintaining its identity.

It’s not just about preserving architecture, but also ensuring that the people living in those areas have a comfortable life.

The Île-de-France region of France has collaborated with Hanoi on improving public transportation and planning cultural spaces.

During my tenure in Vietnam, we’ve made time to visit various provinces. I’m also very impressed by the beauty of Vietnam’s local regions, with their diverse landscapes and the warm hospitality that makes any tourist feel at home.

I’m also impressed by the dynamism of the provinces; wherever I go, I see the determination to grow, change, and develop.

Tran Thuong