During a meeting at the French Prime Minister's Office on 10/9, General Secretary, President To Lam affirmed France as one of Vietnam's leading partners in Europe. He expressed a desire for both sides to maximize complementary strengths to deepen their new relationship framework, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that France views Vietnam as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy. He highlighted France as Vietnam's gateway to the European Union (EU) and Vietnam as France's gateway to ASEAN.

General Secretary, President To Lam meets Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on 10/9 in Paris. *Photo: VNA*

The two leaders agreed to actively facilitate delegation exchanges at all levels and establish new cooperation mechanisms that align with their relationship's scope. They also committed to effectively implementing the Vietnam - France Action Plan for the 2026-2028 period, reinforcing defense and security cooperation, United Nations peacekeeping efforts, and the fight against organized transnational crime.

Both sides agreed to concentrate resources on advancing key, symbolic projects in sectors where France holds strengths and Vietnam has strategic needs. These areas include aerospace, strategic transport infrastructure, clean energy, and essential minerals.

The two nations agreed to effectively utilize the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). This includes further opening markets for each other's strong products to foster balanced growth in bilateral trade.

General Secretary, President To Lam highlighted the significant untapped potential in economic and trade cooperation. He suggested that both nations could achieve breakthroughs to elevate this sector to match their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He also welcomed France's commitment to cooperation in finance, railways, and science and technology.

France expressed interest in participating in Vietnamese projects related to energy, strategic infrastructure, and minerals. It also offered support for Vietnam's development of international financial centers in TP HCM and Da Nang.

The two nations will continue to deepen traditional cooperation in culture, education and training, healthcare, and local connectivity. Concurrently, they will foster new areas like science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

General Secretary, President To Lam urged France to support the European Commission in removing the "yellow card" (a warning against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing) on Vietnamese seafood exports. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu affirmed France's advocacy for Vietnam on this matter and regarding non-cooperative tax lists.

General Secretary, President To Lam meets French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. *Photo: VNA*

Both sides affirmed a shared vision that prioritizes multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution based on the United Nations Charter and international law. They also agreed to respect and resolve disputes in the South China Sea peacefully, in accordance with international law and UNCLOS 1982.

Vietnam and France will continue to coordinate and support each other at the United Nations, UNESCO, La Francophonie, and within the ASEAN - EU framework.

General Secretary, President To Lam also requested the French government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in France. This support would enable them to stabilize their lives, integrate, and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

Thanh Danh