The France Year in Vietnam was declared a success at a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh on December 13, with thousands of locals gathering to enjoy an impressing performance of music and light.

In his remark at the ceremony, French Ambassador for Foreign Policy and President of the French Institute Xavier Darcos said the 150 events held throughout the past year have manifested the ability of Vietnamese and French partners to work together for the best results.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son noted that the year has brought Vietnamese and French people a better understanding of each other’s history, culture and arts as well as of the potential of political, economic, science-technology, education-training cooperation between the two nations.

With the recent establishment of the strategic partnership, the successful France Year in Vietnam and the Vietnam Year in France have helped paint a vivid picture of the thriving Vietnam – France relationship, he said.

As part of the year’s final activities, the Museum of HCM City put on display 74 black-and-white and colour photos by Vietnamese and French photographers Le Vuong and Sebastien Laval. They depict the lives of 54 Vietnamese ethnic minority groups since 1980.

Earlier, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan hosted a reception for Xavier Darcos, during which the two sides shared the view that the past activities during the year will help propel the Vietnam –France ties further.-VNA