French National Day - A Journey Through a Year of Franco–Lao Cooperation

17/07/2026 10:36

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ຂປລ On the occasion of French National Day, the Residence of France in Vientiane on Jul 14 welcomed more than 400 guests, bringing together representatives of the Lao authorities, the diplomatic corps, the business community, civil society, and the French community in Laos.

In the presence of the Guest of Honour, Mrs Baykham Khatthiya, Minister of Health, and Mr Maythong Thammavongsa, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bénédicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, presented the French Team's roadmap for the next three years, stating: "The main priorities, endorsed by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, are to deepen our political and economic relations, pursue our cooperation on global challenges—including health, sustainable agriculture and sustainable tourism—strengthen our partnership in support of the French language and the Francophonie, and further improve the services provided to the French community in Laos."

The Ambassador also announced that the "Embassy of France Campus" will become the "French Team Campus" this summer. In addition to hosting the French research institutes CIRAD and IRD, the Campus will welcome the French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France (EF), as well as a joint contact point for the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) and the French-Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFL), providing a gateway for French companies wishing to invest in Laos.

She also highlighted the strength of the partnership between Team France and Team Europe. Several flagship initiatives were presented to illustrate the depth and quality of the Franco–Lao partnership, including the Hinboun Geopark, a candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark status; the Green Cup Project, co-funded by France and the European Union Delegation to support the coffee and tea value chains in northern Laos; and the scientific cooperation developed under the One Health approach to prevent and respond to epidemics and pandemics.

Throughout the evening, guests were invited to discover the diversity of France's regions, enjoy performances by Lao and French artists (Lydia Ebdon-Borde, Michel Saada, Olivier Stein, and Souphalak Phongsavath), savour French culinary specialties, and dance to a lively mix of Lao and French music.

The Embassy extends its sincere thanks to the students of the French Department of the National University of Laos for their beautiful performance of the Lao and French national anthems.

KPL

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