General Secretary and President To Lam expressed sincere gratitude to France for returning the Dong Son bronze drum artifact to Vietnam, a gesture made within the framework of both sides' commitment to combating illicit trafficking of cultural property. France also donated several artifacts to the Museum of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

During talks with President Emmanuel Macron on 10/9, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed Vietnam's appreciation for France. He noted that selecting France as the first country in the European Union (EU) to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership demonstrates strong political trust and a commitment to elevate bilateral relations, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Macron agreed to maintain frequent high-level and multi-level contacts across all channels. They committed to effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms and exploring ways to deepen specialized cooperation to meet development needs in the new context.

General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron hold a private meeting on 10/9. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency*

Regarding defense and security, both sides agreed to continue effective and expanded cooperation in military medicine training, coordinating efforts, and sharing information on crime, particularly organized and transnational crime. Vietnam requested France's continued assistance in addressing war legacies, especially in searching for missing soldiers and exchanging war memorabilia.

In economic, trade, and investment cooperation, the two leaders agreed to pursue new, strategic, and long-term areas within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. They will focus on developing high-impact strategic industries and services, particularly promoting a value chain linkage cooperation model: French technology - Vietnamese production - regional and global supply.

General Secretary and President To Lam urged both sides to continue effective implementation of the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He also requested France to expedite the ratification of the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create new momentum for investors, and to encourage the European Commission to promptly remove the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing "yellow card", supporting Vietnam in developing sustainable fisheries.

The two leaders agreed to maximize France's advantages as a leading scientific power in Europe, officially making science and technology cooperation a new, pivotal pillar in bilateral relations. Breakthrough focus will be on strategic sectors: aerospace, essential minerals, quantum technology, clean energy, and research for sustainable development and climate change response. General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that both countries expand scientific research, including space science, and facilitate technology transfer. He also requested support for Vietnam's gradual development of quantum technology. President Macron expressed his desire for the two countries to soon initiate large and new projects in strategic science and technology fields.

President Macron affirmed that France will continue to actively support Vietnam in developing its cultural industry, a sector where France has considerable strength. He also pledged to provide additional documents on President Ho Chi Minh and further promote extensive cooperation in health, education, and training.

General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron in talks. *Photo: Vietnam News Agency*

In education and training, both sides agreed to continue effectively implementing signed cooperation documents, particularly those aimed at supporting French language instruction in Vietnam. Regarding health cooperation, the General Secretary and President highlighted the role of the Pasteur Institutes in Vietnam. He proposed that both sides elevate cooperation, positioning Vietnam as a leading regional center for applying modern medical technology in Southeast Asia, and continue providing scholarships for medical students in Vietnam.

The General Secretary and President proposed that France simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens to enhance tourism and people-to-people exchanges. France affirmed its readiness to support Vietnam in the process of building the Museum of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Following the talks, General Secretary and President To Lam and President Macron jointly witnessed the signing and exchange of several important cooperation documents between ministries and sectors of the two countries in security, health, aerospace, science and technology, and essential minerals.

By Ngoc Anh