The meeting aimed to consolidate and further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai welcomed the positive development of bilateral ties across multiple areas, including politics, economy, culture, healthcare and education. He spoke highly of the group’s role in promoting mutual understanding and serving as a solid bridge between the two legislatures.

The ambassador proposed that Michel Criaud and French lawmakers strengthen bilateral cooperation in line with the scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and push for the French Parliament and remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

He also called on France to urge the European Commission to soon lift the “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood under illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing measures. Vietnam affirmed its priority to cooperate with France in infrastructure, urban transport, renewable energy, science and technology, aerospace, and high-quality human resources training.

Michel Criaud and other members expressed deep affection for Vietnam and its people, while praising the country’s socio-economic achievements and its growing international standing. He said the group would serve as a key force in promoting agendas beneficial to bilateral ties and in completing the ratification of EVIPA at an early date.

Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai said France is one of Vietnam’s leading partners. The two sides are working closely at international forums such as the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF).

He asked France to continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to integrate, contributing to France’s development and bilateral friendship.

On this occasion, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai also held a brief exchange with Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the French Socialist Party, and conveyed condolences from Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung on the passing of former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Vietnam, France seek railway cooperation

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai held a working session on March 23 in Paris with Diego Diaz, President of SNCF International under the French National Railway Company (SNCF), to discuss cooperation opportunities in the railway sector, particularly the development of high-speed rail in Vietnam.

Vietnam, France bolster Party ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai met with Taylan Coskun, Politburo member of the French Communist Party (PCF) overseeing relations with Vietnam, on March 30 to explore ways to further consolidate traditional Party-to-Party ties and support the Vietnam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.