French Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory Patricia Miralles  and delegates visit Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum. Photo:VNA

Ms. Miralles said: "We cooperate and work together based on our shared memories. The memories also require us to take responsibility for the future and the younger generations of Vietnam and France.”

Highlighting the French government’s intention to foster future relations with Vietnam, Miralles said the past memories are the foundation for the two countries’ younger generations to work together to cope with urgent global challenges.

French historian Pierre Journoud, who is among the French delegates attending the celebration, shared his view: “Reconciliation is a path that has been pursued by many people including politicians Pham Van Dong, Pierre Mendes France, General Chares De Gaulle, President Ho Chi Minh, President Mitterand and many Vietnamese leaders. This path has been marked by the efforts of the two countries’ leaders to put aside the past to cope with current complex challenges.”

Hervé Conan, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Vietnam, said AFD is currently implementing projects totaling more than 50 million euros to improve water management and create jobs in Tuan Giao District. Conan says the success of the projects shows that the two countries will work together to address new global challenges.