General Secretary To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace this afternoon, exploring the famous stilt house and enjoying some time feeding the fish at Uncle Ho’s Pond.

In this tranquil and historically significant environment, General Secretary To Lam shared insights with President Macron about the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh, a revolutionary figure who dedicated himself to the independence and growth of Vietnam.

The French President was shown the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh resided and worked from 1958 until his death in 1969.

This two-story wooden building, topped with a tiled roof, was constructed in 1958 and inspired by traditional Tay and Thai stilt houses from the Viet Bac resistance area that were closely linked to Ho Chi Minh during the nine years of struggle.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted several artifacts connected to Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary journey, emphasizing his lasting impact.

After the tour, both leaders took part in the enjoyable activity of feeding fish at the cherished pond, which is notable for its personal and symbolic significance within the relic site.

A particularly meaningful part of their visit was when both leaders planted a fragrant moc huong (Osmanthus) tree within the relic grounds.

This gesture not only celebrates the lasting friendship and collaboration between Vietnam and France but also pays tribute to the memory of President Ho Chi Minh, who once lived and worked in France and held a deep affection for the French people.

The visit and the tree-planting ceremony represented a significant moment in the enduring Vietnam–France partnership, highlighting its historical roots and shared aspirations for the future. It also served as a poignant reminder of the need to uphold the moral and ideological legacy of President Ho Chi Minh while promoting environmental awareness among Vietnamese citizens and international allies.

More than a century ago, in 1911, Ho Chi Minh began his quest for national liberation by traveling to France—the first stage on his journey. Thirty-five years later, in 1946, he selected France as the destination for his inaugural official overseas visit as the head of the Vietnamese government.

Today, the relationship between Vietnam and France continues to thrive across various sectors. Over the last fifty years, especially, this partnership has evolved significantly, grounded in mutual respect and a progressive outlook.

The two countries have established solid political trust, effective economic collaboration, comprehensive scientific and technical cooperation, and vibrant cultural and social exchanges.