Brian Jeffrey
In December, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet visited various sites in Hanoi that showcase the historic collaboration between Vietnam and France.
At Long Bien Bridge in Phuc Tan Ward, residents were pleasantly surprised to see visitors at a newly transformed community playground. This area, once a dumping site, has been converted into a park with lush greenery, funded partly by a cultural initiative between the French and German embassies.
Ambassador Brochet expressed delight at the project benefiting the community right by the historic bridge. He had only recently come across the park, and its exceptional location next to Long Bien Bridge and the Red River struck him.
During his visit, the local Women’s Union members introduced the Ambassador to the park’s herbal plants and flowers, which he found particularly intriguing.
He pointed out that this park could inspire future joint ventures between France and Hanoi in riverbank urban planning, an area where France has notable experience, including past projects around Hoan Kiem Lake.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ambassador Brochet discussed the historical importance of Long Bien Bridge, considering it a lasting emblem of Hanoi and the Vietnam-France relationship. Constructed in 1902, it was once the fourth longest bridge worldwide.
“The relationship between our nations surrounding this bridge is ongoing. France is currently funding a study to explore possible restoration methods for Long Bien Bridge, with results expected by 2025, focusing on its preservation and sustainable development,” he stated.
The Ambassador’s next destination was the Hanoi University of Pharmacy, a century-old school boasting classic French architecture. This institution originated from the Faculty of Pharmacy under the Indochina Medical College, with Dr. Alexandre Yersin, the first principal, coming from the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang.
Vice Rector Dinh Thi Thanh Hai welcomed the Ambassador as he toured various parts of the university, including the council room and library.
“I stumbled upon this architectural treasure soon after starting my ambassador role during a weekend stroll. I noticed students enjoying sports on campus, and the building’s preservation deeply moved me,” he remarked.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The university features distinctive yellow walls and green window frames that showcase classic French designs. The Ambassador expressed hope that such significant landmarks could be made accessible to the public, similar to presidential palaces in France.
Partnerships in the pharmacy and medical fields exemplify the robust Vietnam-France relations, with around 3,000 Vietnamese medical professionals trained in France since the 1990s, and many still undergoing training each year.
“This collaboration is beneficial for both countries and, most importantly, serves the Vietnamese people,” noted Ambassador Brochet.
To conclude his day, the Ambassador rode the elevated metro in Hanoi, starting from Cau Giay Station. He purchased a ticket and admired the public art piece called “Five o’clock in the Morning, Hanoi Awakens,” gifted by the French Development Agency (AFD).
Ambassador Brochet reminisced about being present at the station’s opening just weeks prior, declaring, “This metro project is essential for Hanoi, helping integrate urban rail into future city planning and supporting Vietnam’s sustainable development goals.”
 |
 |
 |
 |
France invested €500 million (approximately 13.6 trillion VND) in the metro project, contributing advanced technology through French companies. “With this project, Hanoi joins the ranks of cities around the world with metro systems, marking a significant achievement,” he commented.
France looks forward to continued cooperation with Vietnam on urban rail initiatives in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Ambassador expressed optimism for the prompt completion and operation of the underground section of the Nhon–Hanoi metro line.
Moreover, he emphasized France’s interest in getting involved in Vietnam’s ambitious high-speed railway project connecting the North and South.
The Ambassador’s visit underscored the strong connections between Vietnam and France in cultural heritage, education, transportation, and sustainable development, highlighting the enduring friendship and mutual aspirations shared by the two nations.
Tran Thuong
