To Lam highlighted France’s role as a key member of the European Union (EU) and encouraged France to actively promote further Vietnam-EU relations to contribute to peace, stability, and development both regionally and globally.

He commended the positive developments in Vietnam-France relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. He stressed that the two countries should work more closely to strengthen the multilateral trade system, and to open their markets further to increase bilateral trade, especially in the context of the current global economic challenges and rising international trade competition.

The Party leader suggested that Vietnam and France should accelerate efforts to implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and leverage the immense opportunities it offers to both sides.

Furthermore, he called for deepened cooperation in various sectors where the two countries have mutual strengths, such as infrastructure, transport, renewable energy, green energy, science and technology, innovation, aerospace, and the training of high-quality human resources.

He also recommended strengthening traditional cooperation areas such as health care, cultural preservation, museums, and archiving, as well as local cooperation between the two countries.

Brochet for his part underscored the significant milestones achieved during the October 2024 visit to France by the Party leader, where the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in their multifaceted cooperation. The Ambassador confirmed that France is committed to continuing its strong partnership with Vietnam, one of its key priority partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Ambassador also highlighted that France would continue to work towards the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the parliament. He also assured that France would advocate for the European Commission to lift the ‘yellow card’ on Vietnam’s seafood exports, which has been a challenge for the country’s export market.

Both parties agreed to further deepen cooperation at multilateral forums and international organisations, with a shared commitment to promoting multilateralism, adherence to international law, and jointly addressing global challenges.

With regard to the East Sea issue, the Ambassador confirmed that France and the EU support Vietnam’s position on resolving disputes through peaceful means, in compliance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to maintain peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

France pledges assistance to Vietnam’s strategic transport projects

VOV.VN - France is ready to cooperate with Vietnam on strategic transport projects, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a meeting in Hanoi on March 21.