Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai made the remark at a reception hosted by the French Ambassador to Vietnam, Herve Bolot, and his wife in Hanoi on July 14 to celebrate the 220th anniversary of France’s National Day (July 14).

Currently, France is Vietnam’s leading partner in Europe in terms of trade, investment and development assistance, the deputy PM noted.

Mr. Hai appreciated France’s assistance to Vietnam’s development process, saying cultural exchanges, education cooperation and overseas Vietnamese in France provide a foundation for the development of the friendship between the two nations.

Bolot said France wishes to further promote its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, adding that France will continue to aid Vietnam in achieving sustainable development, especially in training and economics.