On the afternoon of 10/9, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, President and Party General Secretary To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron met with the press before their talks. President To Lam highlighted that this was his third meeting with President Macron in the past three years, considering it a special milestone that reflects the high political trust and close ties of the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

President To Lam noted that Vietnam-France relations are currently in their "best stage", marked by regular exchanges and interactions across all levels and channels: Party, State, National Assembly, and people, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

President and Party General Secretary To Lam addressing the press on the afternoon of 10/9 at the Elysee Palace. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency (VNA)*.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone, with trade turnover and investment projects increasing year by year. Traditional sectors such as culture, tourism, education, and healthcare, alongside new pillars like science and technology, are enhancing the relationship between the two nations.

President To Lam stated that Vietnam is accelerating economic development, reforming its growth model, and making science and technology a key driver. Concurrently, the country is focusing on building strategic infrastructure, developing energy, and fostering high-quality human resources.

These are areas where France possesses significant strengths, offering substantial potential for both countries to explore. Vietnam and France should leverage their respective advantages and complementary aspects, elevating strategic cooperation and establishing new frameworks for collaboration.

President and Party General Secretary To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency (VNA)*.

President Macron affirmed his admiration for Vietnam, expressing confidence that President To Lam's visit will solidify new achievements in bilateral cooperation. This builds upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024 and further deepened in 2025.

The French President emphasized that strong connections between the two economies and businesses will foster industrial development and contribute to each nation's security.

Addressing challenges to the international trade system, Mr. Macron stated that both sides must commit to supporting the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He added that the impending ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) will open new prospects.

France aims to become Vietnam's leading partner in energy, transport infrastructure, urban development, artificial intelligence, and innovation. Education and healthcare continue to be symbolic areas of France-Vietnam friendship, requiring high attention to student exchange.

President Macron stressed that the bilateral relationship should not merely consist of declarations or strategic agreements, but must translate into concrete action with greater speed. He expressed confidence that the visit will help accelerate the implementation of cooperation agreements.

President and Party General Secretary To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron meeting the press. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency (VNA)*.

President and Party General Secretary To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing ceremony for cooperation documents between Vietnam and France across various sectors. These include healthcare, civil security, the provision of Earth observation satellites, essential mineral cooperation, and financial support for an integrated water management project adapting to climate change.

The leaders also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Railway Technology School under the University of Transport Technology. Additional agreements included an MoU between Vietnam Airlines and Airbus for the purchase of A350-900 aircraft, a letter of intent between Vietravel Airlines and Airbus for 20 A220 aircraft and 30 A321neo aircraft, and a contract for maintenance, repair, and technical support services for Vietjet Air's A320 and A330 aircraft equipment.

During the visit, General Phan Van Giang and Minister Catherine Vautrin signed an agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans on cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Thanh Danh