DPM receives first member of new French Cabinet

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh (R) and Minister of State attached to France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Ha Noi, January 24, 2018 – Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

At the reception, Deputy PM Minh praised the outcomes of the two countries’ fifth high-level economic dialogue earlier on January 24 and the progress in their partnership. 

The guest leader expressed his pleasure to be the first member of the new French Government to visit Viet Nam. He also welcomed and highly spoke of the achievements which Viet Nam has attained in socio-economic development and international integration especially the country’s successful hosting of APEC 2017. 

Mr. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne hailed the bilateral agenda for 2018 especially upcoming high-ranking visits in the coming time. He affirmed that the French Government prioritizes intensifying the countries’ strategic partnership.

On this occasion, Deputy PM lauded the endeavors of the two countries in preparing for the celebrations of the 45th years of diplomatic ties and five years of strategic partnership.

In economic term, the host leader proposed French Government should encourage the country’s enterprises to step up business activities in Viet Nam. 

The host leader asked the European nation to help Vietnam realise the commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate change and support the early signing and ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement.

The Vietnamese Government pledges favorable conditions for French firms to access markets and invest and do business in fields that France is strong at such as infrastructure, energy, health care and pharmaceuticals, food industry and agriculture, he said.

At the meeting, the two leaders agreed to promote educational cooperation on the basis of common cultural, historical and language values. 

Minister Lemoyne highlighted Viet Nam’s role in the Francophone community and France’s wish to continue developing the French language in Viet Nam.

The two sides noted with satisfaction that their countries agree on many issues such as advocating multilateralism and free trade, supporting each other at international forums like the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting and contributing to the settlement of international affairs like peace and security, climate change and counter-terrorism.

Cooperation mechanisms on politics, economy and defense also need to be maintained so as to create trust, they said.

With regard to the East Sea issue, Minister Lemoyne affirmed his country’s interest in exercising the principle of freedom, safety and security of navigation in the region. The officials agreed to call on involved parties to fulfill international obligations and avoid activities that could complicate the situation or raise tensions.

They affirmed that all disputes must be resolved by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea./.

By Khanh Phuong