Exploring Hanoi’s landmarks with French Ambassador

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet has embarked on a meaningful journey through several iconic landmarks in Hanoi that symbolize the cooperation between Vietnam and France.

Nhon – Hanoi metro line: Forward-looking project

The first stop for the Ambassador was the Nhon-Hanoi elevated metro line. After purchasing tickets directly at the counter, visiting the METIS public artwork entitled "5 a.m., Hanoi Wakes Up" at Station S8 – Cau Giay, and boarding the train, Ambassador Brochet described the metro as a "forward-looking project."

The ambassador purchases a ticket and embarks on the train. Photos: Khanh Huy/The Hanoi Times

"This is a valuable project for the people of Hanoi, facilitating mobility as an urban rail system is an essential component of future cities. This metro project contributes to Vietnam's government's commitment to sustainable development. We are delighted with the successful implementation of this project in Hanoi as it symbolizes the cooperation between France and Vietnam in this new era," the Ambassador affirmed.

France has contributed to the project with a budget exceeding €500 million (US$528 million), alongside advanced technologies provided by French enterprises to complete the elevated railway. "With the successful delivery of this project, Hanoi has joined the ranks of global capitals with an operational urban rail system. This is indeed a significant milestone," Ambassador Brochet added.

The Ambassador noted that the underground section of the metro line is still under construction and expressed his hopes for its early completion to further enhance operational efficiency further.

The ambassador on the train.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Vietnam on future urban rail projects in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In the field of railway transportation, we are looking to participate in more projects in Vietnam, especially with the country’s plans to develop the North-South high-speed railway," Ambassador Brochet elaborated.

On August 8, the elevated section of Hanoi's Urban Railway Line 3, consisting of eight stations, officially commenced commercial operations. In the near future, the metro line will extend underground beneath Tran Hung Dao Street, heading southward to Hoang Mai, adding another  8 km of underground track.

Long Bien Bridge – a historical symbol

While visiting the area near the Long Bien Bridge, the Ambassador toured a recreational site that was once a landfill but has since been transformed. The project was partially funded by a joint cultural development fund established by the French and German embassies.

The French Ambassador engages in discussions with residents about the playground located at the base of Long Bien Bridge and the various plants and herbs cultivated nearby.

"It's remarkable to see projects that benefit the community emerging under the historic Long Bien Bridge," Ambassador Olivier Brochet remarked. He also suggested that this could serve as a model for future French-Hanoi collaborations in riverfront urban planning, an area where France has already worked extensively with Vietnam, notably around Hoan Kiem Lake.

As for the historic Long Bien Bridge, the Ambassador described it as not only a symbol of Hanoi but also a connection between Vietnam and France. Constructed in 1902, it was the fourth-longest bridge in the world at the time. The cooperative relationship surrounding this historic bridge continues today, with France sponsoring a research project on potential renovation plans for the Long Bien Bridge.

"We hope that by 2025, concrete results of this study will be published, providing solutions for the long-term preservation and development of the bridge," Ambassador Olivier Brochet stated.

A meaningful landmark in preservation of medical heritage

The historic corners of Hanoi University of Pharmacy – a French colonial building constructed in the early 20th century.

At Hanoi University of Pharmacy, a French architectural masterpiece from the early 20th century, the Ambassador expressed his admiration for its excellent preservation.

"All the furniture, items, and buildings have been remarkably well preserved, which moved me deeply. France and Vietnam have a strong partnership in preserving and maintaining our shared heritage, especially architectural heritage," Ambassador Brochet shared.

The Ambassador also expressed his wish for continued collaboration between the two nations in heritage preservation and highlighted the ongoing cooperation in the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals.

The French Ambassador in a discussion with Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Pharmacy Dinh Thi Thanh Hai.

“Medical and pharmaceutical collaboration between our countries has grown steadily. Since the 1990s, around 3,000 Vietnamese doctors and pharmacists have been trained in France. To date,  dozens of Vietnamese professionals are sent to France every year for medical and pharmaceutical training," the Ambassador noted.

He emphasized this as a source of pride for Franco-Vietnamese relations and expressed hope that this partnership will be further strengthened to benefit the people of both nations.

France was the first EU country to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, as declared during the official visit of General Secretary To Lam to France on October 6-7, 2024.