In his remarks, Philippe Lamarche, deputy mayor of Montreuil, expressed his delight at the increasingly strong development of Vietnam-France relations, especially after both countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. He emphasised that President Ho remains a symbol of peace, justice, and the struggle for national independence, whose legacy is even more appreciated today amidst a turbulent global context.

On behalf of the Government of Vietnam, PM Pham Minh Chinh sincerely thanked the authorities and people of Montreuil for their profound affection towards Vietnam and especially toward President Ho, calling him a national hero and a global cultural icon. The Prime Minister noted how the memorial site has become cleaner, more dignified, and more spacious, reflecting the deep respect and friendship of the French people.

Recalling President Ho’s revolutionary work in France, including his role in helping found the French Communist Party, Chinh stressed that the Party’s early goals to achieve national liberation and bring equality and happiness to the people align with Vietnam’s enduring ideals of independence, freedom, equality, and compassion. These shared values, he said, are the foundation of the long-lasting friendship between Vietnam and France.

Amid growing global polarisation, the Prime Minister called for continued solidarity between Vietnam and France, by upholding multilateralism and international law, and jointly tackling global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, food security, and resource depletion.

He also encouraged Montreuil to continue caring for the Ho Chi Minh Memorial as a cherished symbol of the enduring friendship nurtured by the President himself, the founding architect of modern Vietnam-France relations.

France is Chinh’s second stopover during his European tour after Estonia. During his stay in France, the PM attended and delivered speeches at the third United Nations Ocean Conference.

On June 11, he is scheduled to begin a three-day official visit to Sweden at the invitation of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Vietnam, France pledge stronger cooperation across key aspects

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his French counterpart Francois Bayrou pledged to strengthen political trust and expand cooperation in defence, trade, technology, and infrastructure under the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership during their talks in Paris on June 10 after the former's participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice.