General Secretary and President To Lam holds talks with French President Emmanuel Macron

General Secretary and President To Lam thanked the French State, Government and National Assembly and President Macron for their warm, respectful and thoughtful reception for the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation; affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership; congratulated France and President Macron on successfully organizing the Olympic and Paralympic Games and especially the 19th Francophone Summit (October 2024), contributing to further affirming France's important role and position in the international arena.

For his part, President Macron once again congratulated the General Secretary and President on being elected to his new position; emphasized that this was the first official visit to France by a Vietnamese Head of State in 22 years and affirmed the upgrading of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with the cooperation framework and wishes of both countries; thanked Vietnam for attending the Francophone Summit and many important related activities such as the Francotech Forum, the Francophone Village, etc. President Macron expressed his condolences over the recent losses caused by storm No. 3 (Yagi) and affirmed that he would support Vietnam in overcoming the consequences.

In an atmosphere of trust and frankness, General Secretary and President To Lam and President Macron had a comprehensive discussion on the socio-economic situation of each country, bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two leaders expressed their delight at the positive developments in the relationship between the two countries, especially in politics - diplomacy, security - defense, trade - investment and education. The two sides agreed to upgrade and increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially at high levels, through the channels of the Party, State, Government and National Assembly.

The two leaders agreed to declare the upgrading of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed on major directions and measures to deepen the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership framework, making it more practical and suitable for the cooperation framework between the two countries in the new context. With this decision, France becomes the first country in the EU to have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam.

The two sides assessed security and defense cooperation as one of the important pillars; agreed to effectively implement signed cooperation agreements; promptly organize a Security and Defense Strategic Dialogue; coordinate and support each other in officer training, share experiences in crime prevention and combat; and support each other at regional and international security forums.

General Secretary and President To Lam highly appreciated the recent visit to Vietnam by French Minister of the Army Sébastien Lecornu on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory, demonstrating the spirit of respecting history and 'putting the past behind', looking towards the future.

Regarding economics and trade, the two sides highly appreciated the cooperation between the two countries' ministries, branches and localities in this field; agreed to continue promoting preferential loans and ODA loans for Vietnam; and encouraged agencies and businesses of the two countries to continue to fully and effectively implement the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

General Secretary and President To Lam asked France to soon complete the ratification process of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts in transforming sustainable fisheries; and supported the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood.

For his part, President Macron affirmed that the EVFTA is an important driving force to promote economic and trade relations between the two sides; affirmed that he will soon propose that the National Assembly approve the EVIPA agreement. The French President highly appreciated Vietnam's commitment to implementing the Fair Energy Transition Partnership - JETP and green transition. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in potential areas and areas in which France has strengths such as infrastructure, aerospace, science and technology, renewable energy, hydrogen energy, etc.

Recognizing the positive results of cooperation in the fields of science and technology, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in new fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, and airport traffic infrastructure.

In the fields of health and education, the two sides agreed to promote the training of high-quality human resources, continue to create conditions for Vietnamese students to study in France with more scholarships, and encourage people of both countries to participate in major cultural events of each country.

Regarding agricultural cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of ecological agriculture, circular agriculture, and tripartite cooperation between Vietnam, France and southern countries to ensure global food security.

President Macron welcomed Vietnam's efforts in responding to climate change. Meanwhile, General Secretary and President To Lam highly appreciated France's pioneering and leading role in the fight against climate change; he hoped that the two sides would continue to cooperate in developing ecosystem-based models, enhancing the resilience to climate change of urban areas and coastal areas, especially the Mekong Delta, on the basis of ensuring harmony of interests.

President Macron highly appreciated the role of the Vietnamese community in France, considering it an important bridge between the two countries; affirmed that he will continue to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work in France.

Regarding multilateral cooperation, the two sides appreciated ASEAN's central role in the region; committed to continue promoting France's relations with ASEAN as well as the EU-ASEAN relationship; and continued to support each other at multilateral forums and international organizations such as ASEM, the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, Francophonie, and the United Nations.

Regarding regional and international issues, the French President emphasized that France highly appreciated Vietnam's stance on ending violence, reducing tensions and calling on parties to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, etc. by peaceful means, respecting international law. Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

On this occasion, General Secretary and President To Lam invited President Macron to visit Vietnam soon. President Macron happily accepted the invitation to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

During the visit, many documents and cooperation agreements in the fields of diplomacy, culture, education, transportation, internal affairs, etc. were signed by ministries, branches and localities of the two countries.