Speaking at the plaque reinstatement ceremony, Thang recalled with emotion that he himself had been present at the initial unveiling of the plaque on the façade of the headquarters of the local daily La Marseillaise in November 2021. That past event marked the 110th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s first arrival in France on his journey to seek a path for national salvation.
Jean-Marc Coppola, Deputy Mayor of Marseille in charge of culture and heritage, emphasised that honouring the late Vietnamese leader, who first set foot in Marseille in 1911, holds special significance in France’s oldest city, with its history stretching back over 1,600 years. He noted that Ho Chi Minh’s early days in Marseille, working at the port and studying Western society and politics, laid important foundations for his revolutionary path towards securing Viet Nam’s independence and freedom.
Coppola emphasised that reinstating the plaque symbolises friendship and the growing bonds between the peoples of Marseille and Viet Nam.
Speaking to Viet Nam News Agency, Leo Purguette, Editor-in-Chief of La Marseillaise, said the plaque is reinstated on the completely renovated façade, reflecting the progressive spirit that the newsroom wishes to share with Vietnamese friends.
President Ho Chi Minh’s image carries international weight, the Editor-in-Chief noted, adding that he is remembered not only as a foreign head of state but also as a revolutionary who helped found the French Communist Party and left a lasting mark on the global struggle for human liberation.
Ambassador Thang added that restoring the plaque in September, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day, is both a tribute to the leader and a reminder of the solidarity shared between the Vietnamese and French peoples. He said the solidarity stretched from the French communist movements that once supported Viet Nam’s revolution to the present day, as bilateral ties have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
During his trip, the diplomat also visited Truc Lam Pagoda, met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Marseille, and held discussions with Viet Nam’s Honorary Consul in the city.
