The 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties was celebrated at a ceremony in the northern province of Hai Duong on October 3 during which participants heard that cooperation between the two countries’ localities have come a long way over the past time.

Addressing the event, Standing Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duong Thai said the relations between Vietnam and France have progressed soundly, supported by mutual trust, equality and mutual benefits.

This was especially marked the establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to France in September, 2013, Thai said.

He also pledged support to the province’s all-sided cooperation with the French prefecture of Seine Saint Denis.

Up to 38 French localities have so far established partnerships with 18 Vietnamese cities and provinces.

In 1999, Hai Duong and Montreuil city, Seine Saint Denis prefecture launched links in education-training, health care, environment, urban planning, economics and tourism, which were then fuelled by the establishment of Hai Duong-Montreuil cooperation centre in Vietnam four years later.

Seine Saint Denish has assisted Hai Duong in building two waste treatment plants and training medical and information technology staff.

To celebrate the anniversary, a string of social and cultural activities will take place in the province in the time ahead.-VNA