Hanoi (VNA) - For foreign diplomats working in Vietnam, the traditi🍒onal Tet holiday is a special occasion, bringing them excitement and a better un♑derstanding of local culture and the soul of the local people.

Tet in the Year of the Snake is particularly special for the ambassadors who have previously experienced the Vietnamese Tet holiday. They eagerly celebrate Tet with the local people, sharing in Vietnam's aspirations for renewal and advancement in the new era. This year, for the first time, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet bought himself a Vietnamese ‘Ao Dai’ (traditional long gown). Wearing the garment for the first time, the ambassador felt a bit awkward moving around, as it reminded him of the first time he wore a suit at the age of 20. However, Brochet is confident that he will get used to wearing ‘Ao Dai’ throughout the Tet celebrations. This is the diplomat’s second Lunar New Year in Vietnam. He can feel the spiritual values that the Vietnamese cherish and preserve for generations, especially during Tet. These values include family love, friendship, respect for teachers, and reverence for the elderly. He shared that he enjoys spending time at Tet flower markets, choosing peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and other flowers for his home. Brochet said he has lived in Hanoi for nearly a year and a half and is deeply impressed by the city's vibrancy. However, what he loves most is that how Hanoi has preserved its ancient charm and unique cultural identity, which are key to its grace and enchantment. The deep affection for Hanoi makes Olivier Brochet constantly think about how the city can continue to develop and modernise while still preserving its unique cultural identity and charm. This process is not just about maintaining and preserving architectural landscapes, but also ensuring that the people living in these areas can still enjoy convenience in their daily lives, he said. According to the ambassador, Hanoi currently faces its own challenges, including traffic and transportation. The elevated railway projects may partly solve this complex problem. Another major challenge lies with air quality, Brochet said, suggesting France and Vietnam collaborate and take drastic measures in the coming time to improve air quality and restore fresh air to the capital. Regarding Vietnam’s goal of entering the new era of the nation’s rise, he pointed out three potential areas of cooperation for the two countries, namely energy, railway transport, and ecological agriculture. France was one of the first Western partners to accompany Vietnam's development as it endeavoured to open its doors to the world. And, France wants to continue supporting Vietnam in the new era, affirmed Brochet. Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya took office in the country in late 2022 near Tet. He visited a pagoda to pray for peace and prepared some traditional dishes of Vietnam such as dried fruits, spring rolls, and ‘banh chung’ (square sticky rice cake). He shared that the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam have many similarities with traditional New Year customs in India. These include using the lunar calendar, showing respect to the elderly, honouring ancestors, organising festivals, preparing special dishes, giving gifts to children, and visiting pagodas. In the context of Vietnam entering the new era, the Indian Ambassador stated that he also has many plans to promote bilateral relations. These include a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), which is expected to be completed in 2025 and create a simpler, more business-friendly mechanism facilitating trade and strengthening supply chains between Indian businesses and Vietnam, as well as other ASEAN countries. In addition to economic growth, high technology and innovation are also national priorities for both India and Vietnam, he said. Looking ahead, Ambassador Arya noted that India will enhance political exchanges, promote trade and investment, expand business relationships, and strengthen defence and security cooperation, community projects, and cultural relations./.