HA NOI (VNS)— The fourth Francophone Festival, part of celebrations for the upcoming International Francophone Day, has taken place in Ha Noi, attracting hundreds of students from both domestic and foreign universities.

The event offered participants the opportunity to explore the French language and cultural diversity of French-speaking countries. It also housed 20 booths introducing many books and newspapers, training programmes and scholarship opportunities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Secretary General of the International Francophone Organisation (OIF), Abdou Diouf, said it was important to be able to speak other languages fluently besides one's mother tongue. He said the French-speaking community worked for a future of solidarity and called on the young participants to fight for solidarity, justice, liberty, peace and prosperity.

As a member of the OIF since 1970, Viet Nam has been active in co-operation with other member states.

OIF groups 57 member countries and 20 observers. In the Asia-Pacific region, Cambodia, Laos, Vanuatu and Viet Nam are members, and Thailand is an observer. The OIF opened its Asia-Pacific bureau in Ha Noi in 1994. — VNS