Vietnam ’s veteran diplomat Ton Nu Thi Ninh was awarded the third-class French Legion of Honour medal, announced the French Embassy in Hanoi on February 26.

The diplomat is a teacher and a politician who has contributed greatly to Vietnam ’s development and global integration process, as well as maintained her durable ties with France .

One of the most outstanding Vietnamese students in the French education system, Ninh went on to be a lecturer at the University of Fontenay-aux-Roxes ( Paris ) in 1964.

As a diplomat she played a part in Vietnam ’s membership to multilateral organisations, namely the United Nations (UN), Non-Aligned Movement ( NAM ), French- Language Community, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Besides, she has been responsible for global issues including international peace and security, development, environment, administration and human rights.

From 2003 to 2007, Ninh worked as Deputy Chairwoman of the Vietnam National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee for North America and Western Europe .

Earlier in 1997, Ninh was presented a second-class medal after the French-Language Summit.

Initiated by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the French Legion of Honour medal is given to individuals and soldiers that have made extraordinary contributions for France.-VNA