President greets French, Indian defence ministers

Receiving French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, the leader stressed that Vietnam always considers France a leading partner in its foreign policy.

However, he said, cooperation outcomes between the two countries, especially in economy, trade and investment, have yet to match their potential and expectations.

The President called on the French Government to conclude its legal review to soon reach the enactment of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement, facilitating economic, trade and investment links between the two countries.

Speaking of the two countries’ defence cooperation in fields, the President suggested the two defence ministries enhance their collaboration in order to make it a prime example of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, particularly in military activities, producing equipment for military and civilian purposes, information exchanges and at multilateral forums.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, in reply, said his own visit aims to strengthen the bilateral affiliation in national defence and security as well as the strategic partnership established in 2013, and prepare for President Francois Hollande’s visit to Vietnam in this September.

Informing his host about the outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich, the French guest said both sides looked into several technical agreements between the two defence ministries to be inked during President Francois Hollande’s upcoming Vietnam visit, in a bid to advance defence ties.

He also affirmed France’s stance on handling maritime disputes peacefully through dialogues between concerned parties and in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

At his meeting with Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrika, President Tran Dai Quang said the Vietnamese Party, State and people always highly appreciate India’s support in national defence, including personnel training and the transfer of technologies and military equipment.

The leader noted the consensus on orientations to forge bilateral defence cooperation – one of the important pillars of the Vietnam-India strategic partnership.

The Party and State of Vietnam always regard India as a traditional friend and a leading partner, and treasures its relationship with the country, he said.

President Tran Dai Quang asked the minister to convey his invitation to Indian President Pranab Mukheriee to pay an official visit to Vietnam.

Manohar Parrika said he and his Vietnamese counterpart Ngo Xuan Lich touched upon various issues regarding bilateral defence ties and cooperation in other areas during their talks in Hanoi earlier.

He voiced his belief that the strategic partnership will yield fruit as expected by both sides.