French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean-Noel Poirie’s dedication to fostering long-term relations between Vietnam and France mirrors his interest in Vietnamese culture and language. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Ambassador Poirie talked about his feelings about Vietnam.

Where does your love for Vietnam come from?

I began studying the Vietnamese language at the University of Paris 7 Jussieu in 1986. I completed additional study at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 1998.

I love Vietnamese language and culture.

Its vocabulary abounds with rich, meaningful expressions, some of which derive from French words.

Vietnamese puns and wordplay are a special interest of mine. I am lucky to be working in a country I love so much. This is my second homeland.

What do you think about the ties between Vietnam and France and the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of their establishment?

I am very pleased with bilateral cooperation in economics, politics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education. Of course, innovation is always welcomed when it inspires deeper relations that satisfy the national leaderships and encourage mutual understanding.

French businesses want to promote their exports to Vietnam and share their latest technologies.

What should be done to advance the collaborative relationship between Vietnam and France?

First of all, practicality should guide activities during the Vietnam-France Exchange Year.

We will improve the conditions facing enterprises exploring cooperation across national borders.

In my opinion, the links between the two countries’ universities and vocational schools are particularly important in coming years.

A large Vietnamese community currently lives and studies in France, bridging the two countries. They  heighten the image of Francophone culture in Vietnam and will be instrumental to future Vietnam-France cooperation.

How does the approach of Tet make you feel?

This is my  fifth Lunar New Year in Vietnam and my first in Hanoi. I am very interested in Chung cake and peach blossoms. I wish your listeners and readers all the best.

Source: VOV