Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that the National Order of Merit is one of the French Republic’s highest distinctions, awarded to French citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the nation. It is also conferred upon foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to bilateral relations between France and their own countries, as well as broader contributions to society.
The awarding of the French National Order of Merit to Prof, Dr Le Danh Tuyen (former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition and current President of the Viet Nam Dietetic Association) recognises his distinguished scientific career and his substantial contributions to relations between Viet Nam and France.
As a nutrition expert, Prof, Dr Le Danh Tuyen has made significant contributions to Viet Nam’s development, particularly in ensuring food security for the population and addressing emerging nutrition-related diseases. His work has focused especially on children and other vulnerable groups.
For more than 30 years, he has served as a key link in fostering and promoting close and effective cooperation between the National Institute of Nutrition of Viet Nam and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD).
Ambassador Olivier Brochet emphasised that, since October 2024, when Viet Nam and France upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, cooperation in research and training has continued to play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties. He therefore expressed the hope that Prof, Dr Le Danh Tuyen would continue to serve as a bridge for cooperation between institutions, as well as between the health sectors of the two countries.
Speaking after receiving the French National Order of Merit, Prof, Dr Le Danh Tuyen said that this prestigious distinction belongs to an entire community of Vietnamese nutrition professionals spanning several generations. The long-standing cooperation between the National Institute of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) has been maintained over many years, delivering tangible results in the field of nutrition, which is of great importance to the people of Viet Nam.
Prof, Dr Le Danh Tuyen expressed his hope that the National Institute of Nutrition would continue to strengthen its cooperation with IRD — one of the world's leading research institutes — in the future. This partnership not only benefits nutrition science in Viet Nam but also reflects the valuable friendship between the two countries within the Francophone community.
