The upcoming 12th Vietnam-France Decentralization Conference will provide an opportunity for the two cities to expand their cooperation, exchange information and discuss issues of common interest.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh and Vice Mayor of Toulouse Jean-Claude Dardelet. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh made the remarks during a meeting today [April 13] with Toulouse Deputy Mayor Jean-Claude Dardelet, who is visiting the capital to attend the 12th Vietnam-France Decentralization Conference (April 13-16).

Welcoming Dardelet's visit to Hanoi, Thanh expressed his honor for the capital to host the conference, saying the event has attracted great attention from government officials, leaders at all levels, and citizens of Hanoi.

"It is expected to serve as a platform to connect and improve relations between localities and businesses from both countries, including Hanoi and French localities, thus promoting valuable cooperation that will tap the special potential between the two sides," Thanh said.

In this regard, Thanh stressed that the cooperation between Hanoi and Toulouse is considered a remarkable example among various models of local partnerships.

The Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee affirmed that the two sides had made significant progress in various fields, such as cultural heritage preservation, education development, and health care, during the 30 years of their relationship.

Regarding the conference, Thanh expressed his belief that it would enable the two cities to expand their cooperation, exchange valuable information, and address issues of mutual concern. It would also provide an opportunity for Hanoi residents and Vietnamese people, in general, to gain insights into French culture and deepen the bond and mutual understanding between the two nations.

The Deputy Mayor of Toulouse expressed his delight at the warm welcome by Hanoi's leaders. He stressed the importance of the upcoming cooperation conference, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the first French presidential visit to Vietnam.

Drawing on his experience in organizing the 11th Vietnam-France Decentralization Conference in Toulouse, Dardelet praised Hanoi's preparation for this event, stating that it is a valuable opportunity for both sides to share best practices and knowledge in management and operations. He also noted that the topics and discussions scheduled for the conference are relevant and in line with the development needs and opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and France.

Dardelet added that since the two cities established ties in 1996, they have worked together on several successful projects. These include the renovation of public buildings in Hanoi's Old Quarter, the preservation and promotion of the historical value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and cooperation between architecture colleges in the field of education. The exchange of teachers and students between the two cities is also active, and there has been effective cooperation in law and medicine.

Dardelet was optimistic about new cooperation agreements between Hanoi and Toulouse and believed the 12th Vietnam-France Decentralization Conference would succeed.

Thanh shared Dardelet's sentiments and enjoyed the fruitful cooperation between Toulouse and Hanoi. He hoped that the two sides would continue to exchange information actively, especially during the upcoming cooperation conference, which is expected to foster new collaboration on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Toulois-Hanoi relations. The leaders also extended an invitation to the Mayor of Toulouse to visit Hanoi in the near future.