A reporter from Radio the Voice of Vietnam in France interviewed the Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Le Kinh Tai, on cooperative relations between the two countries in 2010.

Reporter: There have been many changes in economics, finance, politics and society in France this year. However, these changes have not had an impact on cooperative relations as well as France’s policies toward Vietnam. What do you think about the current relations between the two nations?

Mr Tai: This year has seen many positive developments in Vietnam-France relations as a result of effective cooperation between both governments, parliaments, peoples and economic groups.

The eighth Vietnam-France Conference held in the northern port city of Hai Phong in November was a great success. The event offered a good opportunity for representatives from both countries to meet and sign agreements, to further ties between Vietnam and France.

Currently, more than 30 provinces and cities from Vietnam are working with 30 localities from France.

The second event was French Week held in Hanoi recently. In addition, the High Level Vietnam-France Council for Development and Economic Cooperation introduced some remarkable reforms. The French Foreign Trade Secretary of State, Pierre Lellouche, arrived in Vietnam to get involved in the council’s activities and hold frank talks with Vietnamese partners.

Reporter: How do the leaders of both countries promote relations between France and Vietnam?

Mr Tai: France is very keen to upgrade relations between Vietnam and France. In the first statement at the High Level Vietnam-France Council for Development and Economic Cooperation, Mr Pierre Lellouche confirmed that the French government’s commitments made by Prime Minister Francois Fillon in November 2009 will be fulfilled in the near future.

Reporter: What are the focal points that both Vietnam and France are interested in?

Mr Tai: This year, we have inaugurated France’s University of Technology in Vietnam. In 2011, both nations will cooperate in energy, transport, health, and the environment.

France is now keen to cooperative in economic and foreign-related affairs with priority being given to developing civil nuclear energy projects.

Vietnam has a great demand for civil nuclear energy. However, it is important to clarify the potential and requirements of both parties before signing nay agreements.

Reporter: What are the advantages and disadvantages in relations between the two nations?

Mr Tai: Vietnam-France relationship has continued to grow in the political, economic and social areas. Currently, Vietnam and France are working on a partnership strategy.

During his visit to France, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong emphasised the need for further negotiations between the two countries to boost bilateral relations to a new level.  

He said he was optimistic about the future development of Vietnam-France relations, especially Vietnam-France “strategic partnership” through major projects for the benefit of both countries.