France’s envoy dons ‘ao dai,’ highlights ties during Hanoi cultural visit

Dressed in a red ao dai, Vietnam's traditional long tunic, Brochet toured the Temple of Literature–Imperial Academy, a site dedicated to Confucius and regarded as Vietnam's first national university. 

He was briefed on the monument's history and expressed admiration for Vietnam's traditions of learning and respect for teachers.

During the visit, the ambassador practiced calligraphy, a customary activity during the Lunar New Year, offered incense at the statue of educator Chu Van An and took part in a ceremonial drum beating at the site.

Brochet, who previously served as director-general of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), said education remained a key focus of his work in Vietnam. 

Speaking to reporters at the venue, he extended Lunar New Year greetings to the Vietnamese people and thanked authorities for the opportunity to visit what he described as a symbolic location reflecting the country's long cultural and historical traditions.

The ambassador said Vietnam's achievements after four decades of economic reforms had been significant and had left a strong impression on the international community. 

Since taking up his post in Hanoi in September 2023, he said he had consistently observed the admiration expressed by French visitors to Vietnam.

Brochet said France hoped to continue accompanying Vietnam in its development efforts, including in areas such as energy transition, innovation, science and technology, and railway transport. 

He also expressed confidence that Vietnam's leadership and people would advance national development goals in the coming period.

Looking back on 2025, the ambassador said the year marked a milestone in bilateral relations, highlighted by a state visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife in May. 

He added that France hoped cooperation would expand further in 2026, building on projects launched last year.

Brochet said relations between France and Vietnam were rooted in shared history and strong people-to-people ties, which he described as a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two countries.