The French Cultural Center - L'Espace cordially invites you to attend a discussion about the work.My years as Ambassador to VietnamThis book by Claude Blanchemaison, published in Vietnamese by the National Political Publishing House, was presented with the participation of Mr. Claude Blanchemaison, French Ambassador to Vietnam (1989-1993), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The discussion took place as follows:

SilkWednesday, June 29, 2016 at 6 PM

Location: Auditorium of the French Cultural Center

24 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi

Let's listen to Claude Blanchemaison's recollections of his diplomatic career, particularly his four years as the French Ambassador to Vietnam (1989-1993). During that time, he traveled extensively from North to South, frequently meeting with numerous leaders, artists, writers, journalists, businesspeople, and artisans. On July 14, 1989, he organized a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution at the French Embassy grounds, attended by General Vo Nguyen Giap, then Deputy Prime Minister. French National Day became an annual gathering of Vietnamese musicians and singers at the Embassy. He also received visits from Foreign Minister Roland Dumas and many members of the French government, as well as numerous businesspeople and artists. Throughout those four years, bilateral cooperation between the two countries developed strongly. In 1992, the Franco-Vietnamese Training and Management Center was established. At that time, residency programs at major French hospitals for young Vietnamese doctors began (over a thousand doctors were trained). Cooperation in the legal field also developed alongside the Ministry of Finance's human resource training program. Three major films were produced during this period, including:Dien Bien Phuby Schoendoerffer,Indochinaof Wargnier, andLoverbelong toJean-Jacques AnnaudFinally, in February 1993, President François Mitterrand set foot in Hanoi, Dien Bien Phu, and Ho Chi Minh City. It was a deeply moving experience.

Claude Blanchemaison lived through a special period in Vietnamese history (the period of national opening) and in Franco-Vietnamese relations (developing cooperation with France), with programs specifically implemented for Vietnam (bilingual classes) and the re-establishment of political relations. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, international and regional events were a major shock, having a comprehensive and profound impact on all aspects of Vietnam's political-security, economic, cultural, and diplomatic life. Although the reform process had been officially declared in 1986 at the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, difficulties persisted, and the new reforms were yet to be fully established. Domestically, the economy was experiencing inflation and social instability. Internationally, Vietnam was isolated. Due to the "Cambodia issue," the US continued its embargo against Vietnam. Relations between Vietnam and China had not yet been normalized. Vietnam and ASEAN still view each other through the lens of the Cold War. It is no coincidence that the 7th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1991 issued the statement: "Vietnam wants to be friends with all countries in the world community, striving for peace, independence and development."

It was in this context that Claude Blanchemaison assumed the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam. He, and no one else, served as a bridge between Vietnam and France, and through France to the international community. He played a crucial role in the historic visit of French President Francois Mitterrand, the first Western head of state to visit Vietnam, in February 1993. This event opened a new chapter in relations between France and Vietnam in particular, and between Vietnam and the world in general. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, following President Mitterrand's visit, Vietnam's doors to the world opened wide.

Claude Blanchemaison's book vividly recreates the context of that period, giving readers the opportunity to explore Vietnamese history from the perspective of a high-ranking diplomat who played a decisive role in the development of relations between Vietnam and France.

Introducing the speaker

• SirClaude BlanchemisonHe served as the French ambassador to Vietnam for four years, a crucial period for the country, from the spring of 1989 to the spring of 1993. Afterward, he served as ambassador to India, Russia, and Spain. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he held positions such as Deputy Director of the Far East Department, Director of the Asia and Oceania Department, Director of the Europe Department, and Director General of the International Cooperation and Development Department. At the Prime Minister's Office, he was Deputy Secretary-General for European Affairs and Secretary-General during France's presidency of the Council of Europe in 2008. For the past five years, he has represented France on the Board of Governors of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and has lectured at several universities. Born in Loches in 1944, he attended high school at the Descartes School in Tours, graduated from the Higher School of Commerce, the Paris Institute of Political Studies, and the Paris University of Law and Economics. He is also an alumnus of the National School of Administration.
• Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Quang MinhBorn in 1962 in Ninh Giang, Hai Duong province, Pham Quang Minh graduated from the Faculty of History, Kuban State University (formerly the Soviet Union) in 1986. He holds a Master's degree in Southeast Asian Studies from Passau University in 1996 and a PhD from Humboldt University in 2002. Pham Quang Minh has held positions as Deputy Head and then Head of the Faculty of International Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. In 2012, he was appointed Vice Rector and, from January 1, 2016, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. In 2007, he was recognized as an Associate Professor in History. His main teaching and research areas include: International Relations in the Asia-Pacific, Vietnam's Foreign Policy and International Relations, and Comparative Political Science. He has published six books and approximately 80 articles in prestigious domestic and international journals. He received the annual (2012) and five-year (2010-2015) Outstanding Scientific Award from Hanoi National University. In 2011, he also received the Medal of the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, for his contributions to the friendly relations between Vietnam and Canada.

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