Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership Enhanced in the New Period
	New Chapter in Vietnam-France Relations: Expanding Cooperation Across All Levels

On the occasion of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's attendance at the 19th Francophone Summit and official visit to the French Republic from October 4-7, a VNA reporter in Paris interviewed Vietnamese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France Dinh Toan Thang about the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang, permanent representative of the President to the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF) and the International Organisation of La Francophone (Photo: Thu Ha/VNA))

Ambassador, Vietnam, and France have just celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership. Will the upcoming visit of the Party General Secretary and President To Lam mark a new step forward in the relationship between the two countries?

After more than 50 years of establishing diplomatic ties and 11 years of strategic partnership, the Vietnam - France relations have seen both quantitative and qualitative accumulation and are witnessing new strides in all aspects. In that context, the Party General Secretary and President’s visit to France is of critical importance. It is the first visit by a head of state of Vietnam to France in 22 years.

The four-day visit of the Party General Secretary and President to France encompassed a mix of multilateral engagements (attending the 19th Francophone Summit), and bilateral activities (an official visit to the French Republic).

The bilateral visit to France demonstrates Vietnam's respect for France and Europe in the country's foreign policy orientation, as well as for the development of bilateral relations.

The visit will strongly convey the message about an independent and self-reliant Vietnam that is promoting the multilateralisation and diversification of external relations; and wishes to further intensify ties with major countries, important partners, and traditional friends, including France, the European Union (EU) and Europe; and respects multilateralism and international cooperation.

The official visit of the Party General Secretary and President To Lam to the French Republic not only strengthens political trust between the nations' leaders and fortifies the longstanding friendship between their peoples, but it also marks a significant milestone. It establishes a broader framework and impetus, ushering in a new era to elevate the Vietnam-France strategic partnership to greater heights, benefiting both nations and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development regionally and globally.

What are the strengths and areas of potential in the Vietnam-France relations?

The Vietnam-France relationship is a traditional friendship that, despite experiencing ups and downs, continues to develop deeply and comprehensively in all fields. The two sides have many historical connections and cultural similarities.

Both nations currently possess advantageous conditions to fortify their bilateral relations. France enjoys significant status and political influence globally, a robust economy, and a pivotal role within Europe and the EU. It is vigorously advancing its position as a foundational and principal member of important regional and international organizations. Concurrently, Vietnam is known for its rapidly expanding economy, vigorous foreign relations and integration, and strategic role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both countries appreciate each other's role as partners in the relationship between their respective continents, and regions and between ASEAN and the EU. The two sides share common concerns in promoting peace, stability, cooperation, common values ​​such as multilateralism, respect for international law, and support for the United Nations Charter.

Exchanges and interactions between the two countries take place in various fields, at different levels and scales, are always lively and are maintained in different forms in the new context.

The Vietnamese community in France is sizable and well-established, with a tradition of patriotism and intellectual capacity. It holds a significant place in French society and serves as a valuable link between the two nations, fostering greater understanding and interaction.

At recent meetings, leaders of Vietnam and France affirmed the common perception of a new vision for the strategic partnership on the basis of the identified and enhanced cooperation pillars. Many significant highlights have come into being in the promotion of political trust, people-to-people exchange, national defense - security, economy, trade, investment, aviation, energy transition, science - technology, and culture.

Amidst global and regional geopolitical and economic shifts that significantly affect the international community, including Vietnam and France, it is necessary for both countries to enhance their dynamism in foreign affairs and integration. By collaborating to devise suitable adaptation strategies, they can share benefits and fulfill the foreign affairs and development objectives of both countries.

Agencies, ministries, departments, sectors and partners of both sides need to make efforts and quickly propose measures to have specific directions in their fields, meeting the new requirements of both Vietnam and France that are increasingly urgent and diverse.

What should the two countries do to elevate their relations to a new level, more substantial and effective?

Vietnam and France are encountering numerous opportunities to strengthen their bilateral cooperation, both in scale and quality, particularly as both nations have significant demands for national development and are committed to the global pursuit of peace, cooperation, and development.

The high political determination of the two countries' leaders, the strong support of all walks of life, and the active participation of partners in all fields will create new momentum to further deepen the cooperative relationship between the two sides.

For stronger bilateral ties, Vietnam and France need to collaborate more effectively and extensively across various sectors, including the economy, security-defense, trade, investment, science-technology, education-training, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Both nations should recognize their respective needs and strengths to ensure cooperation is practical and mutually advantageous.

I am optimistic that the upcoming official visit of General Secretary and President To Lam will foster new cooperation frameworks and momentum. This will enable both countries to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation across various fields and channels.

Vietnam Celebrates 50 Years of French Friendship On March 31, a seminar on Vietnam-France relations took place in the city of Montpellier in the south of France. Researchers of the two countries ...

Vietnam Takes Practical Steps to Boost Relations with France Starting October 6, after participating in the 19th Francophone Summit, General Secretary, President To Lam and the Vietnamese high-level delegation paid an official visit to ...