In an atmosphere of solemnity and emotion, Chargé d’Affaires Pham Thi Kim Yen, Ambassador and Head of Viet Nam’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO Nguyen Thi Van Anh, along with all embassy staff, representatives of Vietnamese agencies in France, and the Vietnamese community, respectfully observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the former President.
In an emotional speech, Chargé d’Affaires Pham Thi Kim Yen stated that former President Tran Duc Luong was a highly respected leader and a shining example of studying and following the thought, morality, and style of President Ho Chi Minh.
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| The memorial service for former President Tran Duc Luong was held with due solemnity at the Vietnamese Embassy in France. |
Over more than 50 years of revolutionary service and through various leadership roles, comrade Tran Duc Luong made significant contributions to national development; successfully pursued a foreign policy of openness, diversification, and multilateralism; and actively promoted regional and international economic integration, thereby enhancing Viet Nam’s role, position and prestige on the global stage.
All embassy staff and the Vietnamese community in France continue to hold dear the memory of former President Tran Duc Luong’s official visit to the French Republic in October 2002 — the first state visit by a Vietnamese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973. It was a historic occasion that served as a catalyst, opening a new phase of vigorous development in the comprehensive friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and France.
During that visit, former French President Jacques Chirac awarded former President Tran Duc Luong the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest state decoration, in recognition of his immense contributions to strengthening the comprehensive friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and France and between the peoples of the two countries.
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| Chargé d’Affaires Pham Thi Kim Yen delivered the eulogy at the memorial service for former President Tran Duc Luong. |
Numerous diplomatic missions sent messages of condolence to the Vietnamese Embassy in France and Viet Nam’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, expressing their deep respect and sorrow over the passing of former President Tran Duc Luong.
On behalf of the associations and the Vietnamese community, Can Van Kiet—former President of the Vietnamese Association in France—signed the condolence book, expressing profound grief at the loss of former President Tran Duc Luong.
Speaking on behalf of the French people and the Ministry for Europe and French Foreign Affairs, Benoit Guidée, Director for Asia and Oceania, praised the contributions of former President Tran Duc Luong to Viet Nam’s economic development and national stability, as well as his important role in strengthening relations with the French Republic and the International Organisation of La Francophonie since the 7th Francophonie Summit held in Ha Noi in November 1997.
