During hismeeting with Chairwoman of the HCM City People’s Council Pham PhuongThao in HCM City on Oct. 13, Poncelet described Vietnam-Francerelations as a bright example of bilateral ties between the twocountries based on mutual understanding and respect, looking into thefuture and having similar concerns over global issues.
Poncelet, former speaker of the French Senate, spoke highly of Vietnam ’s role as ASEAN Chair.
Vietnam will be a gateway for France and Europe to penetrate intoAsia and vice versa Vietnam will access Europe through France asthe European country is going to hold the G20 Chair, he said.
Thaostressed the status of the friendship and cooperation between Vietnamand France, saying that France is Vietnam’s larg donor andprovides assistance to HCM City, particularly in education andtraining, healthcare and culture.
Also at the meeting, Ponceletshared his concern over cultural and architectural heritages in thecity, saying the heritages were important for French people whenvisiting the city.
The chairwoman said she hoped that Francewould continue to help HCM City preserve and restore significantarchitectural buildings./.