Earlier, PM Fillon and his entourage called at a number of historical sites and met with leaders of the city. He donated EUR100,000 to support the local residents who were affected by recent storms and floods.

While in Vietnam, the French PM held talks with PM Dung, paid courtesy visits to Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and State President Nguyen Minh Triet, and met with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong.

At these meetings, PM Fillon affirmed that France attaches importance to boosting its comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in sustainable development, by carrying out important projects in various fields.

The two sides agreed to tighten their economic, trade and investment ties to make them match political relations as well as potential of the two countries.

They also pledged to create favourable conditions for companies from the two nations to invest and operate in the other’s territory, especially in infrastructure, energy, airspace, telecommunications, science-technology, environmental protection and response to climate change.

To start with, Vietnam and France will do all they can to contribute to the success of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark.

During the French PM’s visit, the two sides signed various agreements on cooperation in building the Hanoi University of Sciences and Technology, peacefully using nuclear energy, ensuring social security and order, developing culture centres and strengthening national defence.

At the Vietnam-France Business Forum, partners from the two countries signed 18 cooperation agreements with a total value of US$9.5 billion, which focus on the fields of oil and gas, finance, banking, post and telecommunications, power, aerospace industry, urban planning and foodstuff.

As part of his trip, PM Fillon also laid wreaths in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and visited the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, where he met with local authorities.