New Chapter in Vietnam-France Relations: Expanding Cooperation Across All Levels

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	Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership Enhanced in the New Period

General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his deep appreciation for the warm and respectful reception from President Larcher and the French Senate. He highlighted the significance of Vietnam and France elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which reflects the shared political will of their leaders and aligns with the aspirations of both countries' citizens.

General Secretary, President To Lam met with the President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher. (Photo: Nguyen Hong/The World&Vietnam Report)

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the economic and social progress achieved by their respective countries, and the positive developments in Vietnam-France relations, despite global challenges.

Senate President Larcher’s visit to Vietnam in December 2023 was marked as a milestone, further underscoring the cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries.

For his part, President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher emphasized the longstanding and special bond that French Senators have shared with Vietnam and reaffirmed their desire to enhance the relationship between the two countries further.

He also supported the proposals presented by the General Secretary and President To Lam to boost legislative cooperation through more frequent exchanges at all levels, especially high-level interactions.

The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration and mutual support at regional and global parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), contributing to fostering a more profound, substantive and effective partnership between the two countries.

General Secretary and President To Lam praised the active role of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group at the French Senate, as well as the Vietnam-France Friendship Parliamentary Group, in fostering closer ties between the legislative bodies and the people of both countries.

The Vietnamese party chief was pleased to announce the commercial operation of the elevated section of the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line.

To further enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, General Secretary and President To Lam proposed the French Parliament expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support the European Commission to remove the "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports at an early date.

President Larcher highlighted the importance of the EVFTA and EVIPA agreements in strengthening economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the European Union. He praised Vietnam’s efforts in making its fisheries industry more sustainable.

The two leaders acknowledged the close link between agriculture and climate change and identified these as key areas for future collaboration, especially in light of France's role as a partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with Vietnam.

General Secretary and President To Lam also called on France to assist Vietnam in adapting to climate change, particularly through technology transfer, human resource development, and support in policy and institutional reform during the energy transition process. He emphasized Vietnam's commitment to meeting its international obligations in the fight against climate change.

Local cooperation remains an important pillar of Vietnam-France relations. Thereby, General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his appreciation for the French Senate's efforts in promoting connections between localities, particularly through the successful organization of the 12th Vietnam - France decentralized cooperation conference in April 2023.

Regarding the community of 300,000 Vietnamese people in France, General Secretary, President To Lam affirmed that it serves as a bridge for the relationship between the two countries. He suggested that France continue to create favorable conditions for the community to successfully integrate into and contribute to the socio-economic development and cultural diversity of the host country.

On the East Sea (internationally called South China Sea) issue, General Secretary and President To Lam commended the French Senate for its insightful reports and seminars on the Asia-Pacific region and the East Sea.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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