(VOVworld) – The France-Vietnam Festival 2013 opened in Ho Chi Minh city on Sunday as part of activities to mark 40 years of bilateral diplomatic ties. In his address, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said the festival marks the end of the French year in Vietnam and opens the Vietnamese year in France. French ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Porier said the festival is aimed at introducing to the Vietnamese people France’s unique cultural and culinary characteristics. It will help to promote bilateral economic and cultural cooperation, particularly in the context that both countries established their strategic partnership in September.