Bui highly valued the significance of the ongoing official visit to Viet Nam by the OIF Secretary-General who is accompanied by a delegation of Francophone businesses.

He affirmed his support for the OIF's efforts in promoting the use of French, cultural diversity, and high-quality education, and especially the organization's initiatives to strengthen economic cooperation in the Francophone community, thus making important contributions to the member countries' post-COVID pandemic recovery.

The minister took the occasion to suggest the OIF help with the training relating to professional skills and French for Vietnamese forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as the strengthening of relations between Viet Nam and the African Union (AU).

Bui thanked the organization for its concerns over regional issues including those in the East Sea, and expressed his hope that it will advocate adherence to the fundamental principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In reply, Louise Mushikiwabo said that OIF treasures the important role and position of Viet Nam in the Francophone community. She was convinced that the visit of the first economic and trade promotion mission of the OIF would kick off a collaboration process between Vietnamese and French-speaking businesses.

The OIF Secretary-General also pledged that the Francophone community will strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam in the teaching of French and in French.

It will assist the country in preparing for its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, and double efforts to promote cooperative relations between Vie Nam and the AU, for mutual benefits./.