The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders of the two units. On the VNU-USSH side, Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the School, chaired the ceremony, along with leaders of specialized departments. The EFEO delegation was led by Prof. Nicolas Fiévé, Director of EFEO (Paris, France), along with Prof. Philippe Le Failler, Director of EFEO Hanoi and Prof. Oliver Tessier, Director of EFEO Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized the strategic importance and traditional value of the long-term cooperative relationship between VNU-USSH and EFEO. Based on the strengths of a leading research and training institution in Vietnam in the field of social sciences and humanities, Rector Hoang Anh Tuan proposed that the two sides should enhance comprehensive and in-depth cooperation, covering the fields of research, teaching, and training of high-quality human resources, especially in implementing projects on preserving heritage values. In order for the projects to be implemented effectively and quickly, Rector Hoang Anh Tuan proposed that EFEO set up an office directly at the School.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of tradition and 30th anniversary of development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan respectfully invited EFEO scholars to attend the series of commemorative activities and considered this an opportunity for the University to recognize and express gratitude for the important contributions of EFEO in the history of cooperation.
Prof. Nicolas Fiévé affirmed the depth of the nearly three-decade-long cooperative relationship between the two institutions. He particularly acknowledged and appreciated the pioneering international vision of the USSH in establishing cooperative relationships and supporting international researchers from a very early age, especially French scholars, typically under the late Prof. Phan Huy Le.
Prof. Fiévé emphasized a number of in-depth cooperation contents in the new period, focusing on the areas of strength of both sides such as textual studies, epigraphy, ancient languages and archaeology. In particular, the research and excavation project of Giong Ca Vo relic (if approved) is expected to restore the important research chain of EFEO in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam. He believes that the new agreement will strengthen the spirit of academic sharing and make an essential contribution to the training of future generations of scientists.
At the end of the working session, the leaders of the two sides re-signed the MOU cooperation agreement as a legal basis for promoting extensive and comprehensive cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the French École française d'Extrême-Orient, with a number of key contents: Exchange of academics and research experts; Implementation of joint research projects; Support for undergraduate and postgraduate training; Co-organization of scientific activities (seminars, exhibitions, seminars).
The two sides pledged to maintain a flexible coordination mechanism, respect professional autonomy and encourage the development of specific programs suitable to each side's strengths as well as common goals.
The French School of the Far East (EFEO), founded in 1900, is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific partners of Asian countries, including Vietnam. Continuing to strengthen the strategic and comprehensive cooperation between USSH and EFEO not only continues the tradition of scientific cooperation of more than a century between Vietnam and EFEO, but also opens up the prospect of building new interdisciplinary research programs with high academic value and profound practical significance.
