Strengthening Vietnam-France ties on the basis of mutual trust

On May 26, at the Party Central Committee Headquarters, General Secretary To Lam held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is paying a state visit to Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam receives French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA.

General Secretary To Lam expressed his pleasure in welcoming President Emmanuel Macron to Vietnam following his official visit to France in October 2024. He underscored the significance of this visit, affirming both sides’ strong commitment to implementing tangible outcomes of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France.

Emphasizing that France is Vietnam’s first comprehensive strategic partner within the European Union, the General Secretary reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing and desiring to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with France. He stated that Vietnam supports France’s active role and voice in regional and global affairs, including at international organizations and forums. On that basis, he proposed that the two countries continue leveraging shared advantages to harmoniously address regional and international issues.

President Macron expressed his delight at making his first state visit to Vietnam, which he described as an important partner in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy. He also thanked the Vietnamese side for the warm and respectful reception extended to him and the high-level French delegation. He noted that Vietnam–France relations are marked by their uniqueness, having developed through various historical periods and currently resting on a foundation of high mutual trust and respect.

The two leaders noted that the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, upgraded in October 2024, stands out amid fast-changing and complex global developments. They reviewed in depth bilateral cooperation in multiple areas since the elevation of ties.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in recent times, especially in economic and trade cooperation, high-level exchanges, and mutual support at regional and international forums.

They affirmed their continued prioritization of cooperation in politics-diplomacy, national defense and security—including cyber security—economic, trade and investment collaboration, and maritime economy. In addition, they agreed to foster development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in culture, education and training, aiming to sign key cooperation agreements across multiple fields.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in energy transition, with France supporting Vietnam under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This would be expanded to include nuclear energy cooperation, human resource training, and peaceful applications of nuclear technology, such as in healthcare. They aim to implement flagship projects symbolizing a new era of Vietnam–France cooperation.

General Secretary To Lam proposed that France accompany Vietnam in making science and technology a new pillar of bilateral cooperation in the new era. He called on France to support Vietnam in strategic fields such as aerospace, biotechnology, digital technology, semiconductors, quantum technology, and the digital economy, as well as in training high-quality human resources.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in areas where France has strengths and Vietnam has growing demand, such as strategic infrastructure, urban transport, and railway systems, contributing to Vietnam’s development goals in the new era of prosperity.

France appreciates Vietnam’s global commitments

President Macron congratulated Vietnam on its significant achievements in socio-economic development and international integration, emphasizing Vietnam's important role and position both regionally and globally. He affirmed France’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Vietnam across all areas, particularly in strategic sectors such as trade, security, science, technology, culture, education, and healthcare, consistent with the depth and scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

General Secretary To Lam meets with French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

The French President also praised Vietnam’s strong international commitments across key multilateral platforms, especially in sustainable development, environmental protection, emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation. He reaffirmed France’s willingness to support and work closely with Vietnam in realizing these goals.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted the cultural and historical links between Vietnam and France, noting that French influence remains visible and cherished in Vietnamese society—from architecture and cuisine to modern art. He emphasized that Vietnam’s modern education system has absorbed global knowledge, including from France.

Building on these shared advantages, the two leaders agreed to collaborate in preserving and promoting cultural values through the exchange of expertise in heritage preservation, museum work, cinema, and the sharing of materials on Vietnamese cultural heritage. They also agreed to cooperate in training professional artists and performers.

In continuation of the long-standing tradition of cooperation, both sides agreed to further enhance ties in the health sector, particularly in vaccine research, early screening for critical diseases, and the application of advanced science and technology in medical examination and treatment, aiming to improve public health.

On this occasion, Party General Secretary To Lam and President Macron also exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern, including security matters. They agreed on the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue. Both called on regional countries to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to support efforts toward an effective, substantive, and legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also pledged to promote cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, search and rescue, and combating organized crime, transnational crime, and cybercrime.