National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong has stated that the Vietnamese Sub-Committee to the Francophone Parliamentary Alliance (APF) is actively working to foster friendship among its members for peace, cooperation and development.

Receiving visiting Minister Delegate for French-speaking Communities Yanima Benguigui in Hanoi on October 18, Vice Chairwoman Phong hailed the Minister’s visit for strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France.

She said the Vietnamese legislature always actively joins in the APF’s activities to bolster mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in HIV/AIDS prevention, gender equality, and the improvement of women’s position in society.

The host expressed hope that France will offer more scholarships to Vietnamese students to pursue French language and major courses in the European nation.

Vietnam commits to maintaining the teaching and study of French as it is a means to foster mutual understanding in the Francophone community and Vietnam-France ties, Phong noted.

Benguigui highly valued Vietnam’s efforts in policymaking and institutionalising laws on gender equality, marriage, prevention of HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.

Appreciating Vietnam’s active involvement in building the Francophone community, the guest said she hopes Vietnam and APF member countries will continue sharing experiences in practical issues with a view to enhancing the Francophone bloc’s role and position in the region.-VNA