French friends watching documentary film "Back to Hell" (Photo: VNA)

The meeting began with a screening of the film named "Back to Hell," a documentary which had been broadcast on several TV channels in France recently.

The film denounced the brutality of the war along with the pain stretching through generations of many Vietnamese families when their children, born many years after the war, still have congenital malformations due to AO/dioxin.

It caused strong emotion for those at the event, leaving unforgettable impressions about the will to live and overcome difficulties of the victims, as well as immense affection, sharing and community connection in the country and globe.

During the discussion at the event, Secretary General of France-Vietnam Friendship Association Jean-Pierre Archambault introduced Vietnam’s achievements in the fields of politics, economy, culture, society and international integration after 30 years of innovation.

Mr. Raphaël Vahé, Head of the Van Canh Friendship Village and Chairman of French Veterans’ Association, recalled the process of building the Van Canh Friendship Village, a symbol of reconciliation and cooperation to overcome the consequences of the war in Vietnam and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples.

He also affirmed that French National Committee continues to support activities of the Village to repair and upgrade buildings, practically contributing to helping veterans and AO/dioxin victims receiving care there.

As a lawyer of half-Vietnamese blood, being prompted by a desire to find her origins and the fire of her love for justice, lawyer Sandrine Le Pironnec has conducted deep research on the issue of AO/dioxin used by the US military in Vietnam.

In her talk, the lawyer gave basic information on AO/dioxin, its dangerous and persistent harmful effects for Vietnam’s humans and environment, as well as the courage of victim Tran To Nga in the legal fight to demand justice for Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims.

The speech touched the hearts of French friends loving peace and justice, and the young female lawyer received warm applause from the audience.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son expressed his emotion before the hearts and affection of French friends for the people of Vietnam. He also expected to continue to receive solidarity and support of the French people in the cause of building the country, and overcoming the consequences of the war today.

At the event, a lot of billboards, posters and photos introduced the process of building the Van Canh Friendship Village were hung on the wall of the hallway leading into the large hall.

The organizing board also sold Vietnam’s handicraft products to raise funds, financially contributing to building a playground and repairing some houses in Van Canh Friendship Village./.