The will and altruism of a resilient nation
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Olivier Brochet expressed deep admiration for Viet Nam’s remarkable transformations and dynamic development. “I have felt a strange attraction, a powerful energy, and a national spirit emanating from every street corner, from every person I have had the opportunity to meet across all regions of the country,” he said.
The French diplomat emphasised the Vietnamese people’s spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and determination to overcome adversity, considering these qualities central to the nation’s progress.
When the historic typhoon Yagi struck the northern provinces, causing severe damage, Ambassador Brochet travelled to the mountainous areas of Ha Giang, now Tuyen Quang Province, to witness recovery efforts led by local authorities and communities, while also coordinating French support for victims.
The two countries once endured a painful period of history, but through sincerity, respect, and a forward-looking spirit, Viet Nam and France have gradually transformed memories of the past into momentum for reconciliation, cooperation, and friendship.
“Faced with the devastation that natural disasters inflict upon lives, I have gained a deeper understanding of the fragility of the ecological environment and feel profound admiration for the resilient will, mutual support, and solidarity shown by the Vietnamese people in swiftly rebuilding and stabilising their lives,” he remarked, seeing this as proof of Viet Nam’s extraordinary resolve in overcoming formidable challenges.
One of the most moving highlights of his term was his visit to the former battlefield during the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in May 2024, attended by French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu.
This symbolic visit aimed to foster a future of peace and sustainable cooperation.
“The two countries once endured a painful period of history, but through sincerity, respect, and a forward-looking spirit, Viet Nam and France have gradually transformed memories of the past into momentum for reconciliation, cooperation, and friendship,” Ambassador Brochet reflected.
A culture rich in identity and shared mindset on heritage conservation
A diplomat with a passion for history, Ambassador Brochet affirms that both France and Viet Nam share a love for heritage and a strong sense of responsibility in preserving traditional values.
For him, safeguarding heritage is not merely about restoring ancient architecture, but about protecting authenticity and retaining the “soul” of heritage over time.
In the final days of his term, he visited the ancient Thay Pagoda on the outskirts of Ha Noi. This was his fourth visit to the pagoda. Standing before its tranquil space and natural landscape, he shared that the site gave him a sense of closeness to Viet Nam’s cultural depth and soul.
He praised Viet Nam’s subtle preservation of the pagoda, maintaining its ancient identity and lake without succumbing to the pressures of mass tourism.
This shared mindset on heritage conservation was also evident to him at the Imperial City and royal tombs in Hue.
His love for Vietnamese culture was further nurtured through folk art forms, notably water puppetry.
This appreciation laid the foundation for France to promote substantive cultural and heritage cooperation projects, including research on the renovation of Long Bien Bridge. In addition, both sides have actively implemented exchange programmes and close collaboration in museology between leading experts of the two countries.
The kindness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people
Throughout his diplomatic term, what remains most deeply in Ambassador Brochet’s heart is the kindness, hospitality, and sincerity of the Vietnamese people.
Memories of diplomatic receptions on France’s National Day, July 14, held at the Ambassador’s residence, are moments he will cherish.
At one such event, Vietnamese singer Thuy Dung performed in French, showcasing Vietnamese artistic talent while promoting French culture. It was also an occasion where the refined flavour of Vietnamese tea blended with sophisticated French cuisine, symbolising the interweaving of the two cultures.
I commit to continuing to serve as a bridge, promoting the training of the younger generation and nurturing the Viet Nam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to flourish ever more brilliantly.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet
He also valued the shared passion for football between the two nations, recalling the joy of seeing Vietnamese fans enthusiastically support the French national team during the 2026 World Cup.
Ambassador Brochet’s tenure coincided with a pivotal period in Viet Nam–France relations, as the two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. Building on this framework, cooperation has expanded across politics, diplomacy, defence, security, economy, science, technology, education, health, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Returning to Paris for a new assignment, the Ambassador affirmed that his “bond” with Viet Nam would remain unbroken. “In my new role, I commit to continuing to serve as a bridge, promoting the training of the younger generation and nurturing the Viet Nam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to flourish ever more brilliantly,” he said.
