Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son announced the two countries have agreed to a programme of exchanges involving the 2013 France Year in Vietnam and a Vietnam Year in France one year later. Both celebrations feature numerous activities across a diverse range of fields to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties(1973-2013).

The activities will actively contribute to upgrading the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, science, technology, and national security and defence.

Artists from both countries jointly designed the simple, humanism-inspired logo to express their desire for peace and development.

Sylviane Tarsot-Gillery, Director General of the France Institute, said the Vietnam-France Year is a valuable opportunity to broaden bilateral exchanges and continue high-level visits between the two nations.

Beside political and economic events, both countries will hold a variety of cultural, scientific, and educational activities. These include the France-Vietnam Economic Forum in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City next April and a number of contemporary music festivals, scheduled from June to October 2013.

VOV