General Secretary To Lam receives French Ambassador Olivier Brochet

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretary highly appreciated the Ambassador's affection and contributions to the country and people of Vietnam, as well as to promoting Vietnam - France relations; emphasizing that France being the first EU member to become Vietnam's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a vivid demonstration that Vietnam attaches importance to and wishes to further deepen the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with France.

The General Secretary suggested that France, as a key member and voice in the EU, further promote Vietnam-EU relations to contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Expressing his satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam-France relations in recent times, especially in the field of trade and investment - one of the top important pillars within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the General Secretary said that the two sides need to continue to coordinate closely to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trade system, while strongly promoting bilateral trade and further opening markets on both sides, especially in the context of the world economy facing many difficulties and challenges, and increasing international trade competition.

The General Secretary agreed with the French Ambassador's proposals on effectively implementing and taking advantage of great opportunities from the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); promoting cooperation in areas of strength of both sides such as infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, green energy, science and technology, innovation, aerospace, training of high-quality human resources, etc.

On this occasion, the General Secretary suggested that the two countries continue to deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as healthcare, culture, conservation, museums, historical - archival memories, cooperation between localities, etc.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet thanked the General Secretary for taking the time to meet. He also emphasized the important significance and outstanding results of General Secretary To Lam's visit to France in October 2024, especially the fact that the two countries have upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone for multifaceted friendship and cooperation.

The Ambassador suggested that the two countries continue to take specific steps to bring the new cooperation framework into depth and practicality; congratulate Vietnam's dynamic socio-economic development and emphasize France's desire to continue accompanying Vietnam on a new development journey in the coming time; affirm that Vietnam is one of France's important priority partners in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrated through visits and exchanges with delegations at all levels becoming increasingly vibrant and Vietnam - France cooperation mechanisms are increasingly expanded in many fields.

Agreeing with General Secretary To Lam's statements on the importance of the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) for businesses of the two countries, the French Ambassador said that he would urge the French National Assembly to soon ratify this Agreement, as well as urge the EC to remove the IUU Golden Card for Vietnam's seafood exports.

General Secretary To Lam and the French Ambassador agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums and international organizations, promote multilateralism, the rule of law of international law, and solve global challenges.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the French Ambassador emphasized that France and the EU support the stance of Vietnam and ASEAN on resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of compliance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of aviation and maritime in the region.

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