On a serene afternoon, General Secretary Tô Lâm and French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a unique journey of camaraderie and symbolism at the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace in Hanoi. This visit was a significant part of President Macron’s state visit to Vietnam, showcasing the deepening ties between the two nations.
The Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace stands as a crucial historical and cultural landmark, where President Ho Chi Minh resided and worked from 1954 to 1969. As General Secretary Tô Lâm and President Macron strolled through this revered site, they paused by the Ho Chi Minh Fish Pond, engaging in a simple yet profound act of feeding the fish together. The pond, a tranquil oasis within the palace grounds, holds historical significance and adds a touch of serenity to the solemn surroundings.
Their journey continued as President Macron explored the Stilt House, a wooden architectural marvel that served as President Ho Chi Minh’s residence and workplace from 1958 to 1969. This two-story wooden structure with tiled roofs, designed in the traditional style of the Tày – Thái ethnic houses in the Việt Bắc combat zone, holds a poignant history of President Ho Chi Minh’s resilience during the nine years of anti-French colonial resistance.
A moment of symbolic unity unfolded as General Secretary Tô Lâm introduced President Macron to the concept of friendship trees, representing the enduring bond between the Vietnamese and French peoples. Standing side by side, the two leaders planted a friendship tree, their actions echoing the growth and nurturing of diplomatic relations between their nations.
Before this poignant tree-planting ceremony, President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, engaged in a series of activities, paying respects at President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, visiting the Temple of Literature, and strolling around the enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake under the shimmering night sky.
President Macron’s state visit, extending until the 27th of May, marks the fifth French presidential visit to Vietnam since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973. This visit holds particular significance as it is President Macron’s inaugural visit to Vietnam since assuming office, underscoring the importance both nations place on fostering bilateral ties and cultural understanding.
As the echoes of their footsteps fade away from the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace, the planted friendship tree stands as a living testament to the shared history, cooperation, and aspirations between Vietnam and France. In a world often marred by discord, this simple act of planting a tree symbolizes hope, unity, and the enduring strength of international friendships.
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