Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad, Eleonor Caroit, presided over the national reception ceremony for General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse at Les Invalides in Paris this afternoon, according to TTXVN.

General Secretary and President To Lam was invited to a place of honor. The military band played the national anthems of Vietnam and France. The General Secretary and President then reviewed the military band and the honor guard.

The vehicle transporting General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse to the Elysee Palace in Paris on the afternoon of 10/9. _Photo: TTXVN_

Following the ceremonies, French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse welcomed General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse at the Elysee Palace.

The two leaders held talks, met the press, and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents. During this visit, General Secretary and President To Lam is expected to meet with President Macron and leaders of leading French and Vietnamese corporations and enterprises.

General Secretary and President To Lam, along with his spouse, is on an official visit to France and will attend the Space Summit in Paris from 10-12/9, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse with President Macron and his spouse at the Elysee Palace on the afternoon of 10/9. _Photo: TTXVN_

Vietnam and France became Strategic Partners in 2013 and Comprehensive Strategic Partners in October 2024. France is the first EU country to establish the highest level of relations with Vietnam.

Total bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and France in 2025 reached approximately 6.3 billion USD, showing positive growth compared to 2024, according to data from Vietnam Customs.

France ranks 16th out of 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 746 valid investment projects and a total registered capital of approximately 4 billion USD. Vietnam has 20 valid investment projects in France, with a total registered capital of 38.78 million USD.

The two leaders met before proceeding to the talks. _Photo: TTXVN_

The Space Summit is an initiative launched by President Macron, held from 9-10/9 in Paris to promote dialogue and shape international cooperation in the space sector, contributing to establishing norms, rules, and governance frameworks in the field.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang stated that the visit will be an important opportunity for both sides to continue strengthening political trust, define a long-term vision, and concretize the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework with specific programs, projects, and outcomes. This aims to foster stronger shifts in economic, trade, and investment cooperation, making science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation new drivers of bilateral relations.

Thanh Danh