Ambassador Nguyen Ngoc Son presented flowers to the new executive board (Photo: VNA)
The event was attended by delegates from 24 branches, representing nearly 6,500 Vietnamese students studying across France.
At the congress, Mr. Pham Nhat Minh reported important achievements and outstanding activities carried out during the past term, such as organization of Festival Lumos with the participation of nearly 10 Vietnamese students’ associations from European countries and many Vietnamese students’ branches across France; cooperation with the General Union of Vietnamese in France (UGVF) to organize the annual traditional Lunar New Year Festival; cooperation with UGVF and Bien Dong group in France to organize an exhibition on the sea and islands; organization of "Miss Spring 2016" for Vietnamese girls studying in France; collaboration with the French Embassy in Vietnam to organize the French Study Tour in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Da Nang; organization of the art program named Afterskool and sports competitions like football, table tennis and badminton.
UEVF branches have also collaborated with the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE) to organize scientific seminars.
The report also sets out a specific plan for the 2017-2019 term, including gathering a large number of Vietnamese students, providing useful information on studying and life so that UEVF can truly become a common home for all Vietnamese students when they go to France to study.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son reviewed the construction and development of UEVF over the past 13 years since its establishment on March 26th, 2004. UEVF has grown and expanded its network in many cities, becoming a reliable address for Vietnamese students in France.
The Ambassador praised the useful activities for students, contributing to community building, appreciating the mutual support to get used to the new environment and achieve high academic achievements, and diversified cultural and sports activities to connect students together and promote the image of the country and people of Vietnam to international friends.
The Ambassador also emphasized the significance of activities toward the country, especially the struggle to protect the nation's sovereignty over the sea and islands.
On the occasion, he also presented Certificates of Merit of the Vietnamese Embassy in France to members and branches having outstanding achievements in the past term.
At the event, representatives of the Association of Collectif Vietnam-Dioxine and the Overseas Vietnamese Association in France introduced the lawsuit of Agent Orange victim Tran To Nga, taking place in France.
The associations called upon students to sign a petition calling on US chemical companies to assume responsibility, and called for donations in order to put pressure on US companies, as well as raise spiritual and material support for Ms. Tran To Nga in the lawsuit.
The Congress elected Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc as the Chairman, and the standing committee including five members, and Executive Board, including 22 members.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc promised the he would work with the Executive Board and other members to enhance activities in order to further connect students to show the youth the solidarity and creativity to build the Vietnamese Student Association in France stronger, effectively contributing to the cause of national construction and protection./.