France regarded as a priority partner of Vietnam
VOV.VN - Vietnam always regards France as one of its priority partners based on sincerity and trustworthiness in its external policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was speaking this at a July 6 reception in Hanoi for outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery
Hailing the Ambassador and the French Embassy’s contributions to the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, the Vietnamese cabinet leader said France now ranks second among European Union members in terms of investment in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of roughly US$3.57 billion, fourth in trade exchange and first in provision of ODA assistance to Vietnam, with a total concessional loan of 3 billion EUR. Last year’s two-way trade hit US$5.3 billion, up 10% on-year.
Vietnam greatly values France's role and voice on the international stage, as well as bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums, Chinh said, adding that the country actively supports France's initiatives and ideas aimed at contributing to maintaining peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
To further bilateral ties, the Vietnamese Government chief suggested both sides continue facilitating high-level contacts, exchanges and visits between their leaders, and fully and effectively tap opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
He asked France to swiftly adopt the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to optimise bilateral cooperation potential in investment.
The Vietnamese leader wished for stronger ties in new areas such as renewable energy, high technology, digital economy, green growth, circular economy, climate change response, and greenhouse gas emission reduction, particularly in the production of equipment for renewable energy industry. He also hoped for increased collaboration in culture, education, human resource training, and preservation of architectural heritages in Vietnam.
He asked France to help push the European Commission (EC)’s early removal of yellow card warning against Vietnamese aquatic products, and continue committing ODA and concessional loans to Vietnam.
PM Chinh voiced his hope that in any position, the Ambassador will always be a close friend of Vietnam, serving as a bridge to strengthen traditional friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
In response, Warnery affirmed that French leaders desire to further deepen relations with Vietnam. He also acknowledged Vietnam's important role in ASEAN and in the implementation of France's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Agreeing upon PM Chinh’s proposals, the French diplomat said he will discuss with relevant French authorities to continue boosting all-around ties, particularly in politics, trade-investment, education-training, sci-tech, and preservation of French architectural heritages in Hanoi, such as the Long Bien bridge.
Applauding Vietnam's efforts in achieving climate change response goals, especially the recent issuance of the Power Development Master Plan VIII, he said France will actively assist Vietnam in this field, especially in the implementation of the Political Declaration on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Regarding global and regional issues of shared concern, Warnery affirmed that France supports ASEAN and Vietnam's stance on ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).