Vietnam ready for CIRTEF General Assembly, says VOV official

Hanoi will host the 16th General Assembly of the French-Speaking Radio and Television International Council (CIRTEF) from April 17-19, which is expected to raise Vietnam’s status within the International Organization of Francophone Countries in general and the CIRTEF in particular.

The event will help to promote Vietnam’s image across more than 30 CIRTEF member countries and provide the country with opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of broadcasting.

On the occasion, VOV Deputy Director General Hoang Minh Nguyet, head of the Organizing Committee of the 16^th CIRTEF General Assembly, granted an interview to VOV reporters.

VOV: Could you tell us about the preparations that host Vietnam has made so far for this event?

Ms Hoang Minh Nguyet, VOV Deputy Director General

Ms Nguyet: The preparations for the CIRTEF General Assembly have been almost completed, and soon the agenda and other information will be given to both domestic and foreign media. We have also arranged a number of places to provide accommodation and security for the delegates. In addition, we have worked alongside other localities and ministries to hold cultural and art events to give the CIRTEF delegates a good impression of Vietnam.

Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) holds the presidency of the event’s Organizing Committee, which also comprises the Central Commission for Information and Education, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnam Television (VTV).

VOV: Vietnam will assume the presidency of the CIRTEF for the 2009-2010 term. In that context, what role will Vietnam play?

Ms Nguyet: As CIRTEF President, Vietnam will have a higher profile and a decisive voice in the organization and its members’ activities, especially in professional broadcasting. This year’s General Assembly will review the CIRTEF’s achievements over the past two years and map out its activities for the next two.

The country will also strive to strengthen relations between countries in the northern and southern hemispheres and speed up professional exchanges with modern, advanced broadcasting industries in other countries. Another goal is to support member countries in the fields of society, culture, and education, thereby promoting cultural diversity among members of the Francophone community in general and in the CIRTEF in particular.

VOV: Why was Vietnam chosen to host the International Council’s 16th GA?

Ms Nguyet: This is a long, ongoing process. Both VOV and VTV have been CIRTEF members since 1981. Since 1997, Vietnam has been more actively involved in all CIRTEF activities. In 1997, when the CIRTEF Secretary General visited Vietnam, the two sides agreed to carry out every activity.

VOV was elected as Vice President of the CIRTEF for 2001-2002 and was reelected as the organization’s Vice President in 2007-2008. The CIRTEF suggested that Vietnam be the first Vice President in charge of organizing the 2009 event. With its proven capability, Vietnam will be officially elected as President of the CIRTEF for the 2009-2010 term, at the organization’s 16th General Assembly in Hanoi.

VOV and VTV have joined many CIRTEF initiatives such as programme exchanges within the organization, and exchanges of journalists and lecturers. Vietnam is fast developing a prestigious reputation in the Francophone community. The successful hosting of the Francophone Summit in Hanoi in 1997 has helped to raise the status of Vietnam and pave the way for the country to become the President of the CIRTEF./.

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