Vientiane: On the occasion of French National Day, the Residence of France in Vientiane welcomed over 400 guests, including representatives from Lao authorities, the diplomatic corps, the business community, civil society, and the French community in Laos. According to Lao News Agency, the event featured Mrs. Baykham Khatthiya, Minister of Health, and Mr. Maythong Thammavongsa, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, as guests of honor. Mrs. Bénédicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, outlined the French Team's roadmap for the coming three years. The roadmap aims to deepen political and economic relations, enhance cooperation on global challenges such as health and sustainable development, and strengthen support for the French language and Francophonie. Additionally, the roadmap seeks to improve services for the French community in Laos. The Ambassador announced the upcoming transformation of the "Embassy of France Campus" into the "French Team Campus" this summer. This campus will not only host Fre nch research institutes CIRAD and IRD but will also welcome the French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France (EF), and a joint contact point for the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) and the French-Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFL). This initiative is designed to serve as a gateway for French companies interested in investing in Laos. The evening showcased the strong partnership between Team France and Team Europe through several initiatives. Among them were the Hinboun Geopark, a candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark status, the Green Cup Project supporting coffee and tea value chains in northern Laos, and scientific cooperation under the One Health approach to combat epidemics. Guests enjoyed exploring France's regional diversity, performances by Lao and French artists, and a fusion of Lao and French music. The Embassy expressed gratitude to the students of the French Department of the National University of Laos for their performances of the national anthems of both countries.
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