Viet Nam, France cement practical ties
VGP - Viet Nam attaches special importance to its cooperative ties with France and always considers the European country an important partner in its foreign policy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher, Ha Noi, December 11, 2022 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the affirmation at a reception for visiting President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher in Ha Noi on December 8.
The Government chief expressed his pleasure to witness the strong development of the Viet Nam-France strategic partnership across fields.
France is a leading trade, investment, and ODA partner of Viet Nam in Europe, said Prime Minister Pham, expressing his hope that the two sides would further step up their all-level delegation exchange and cooperation, particularly in economy, commerce, and investment.
He took the occasion to suggest the two sides focus on fully and effectively implementing the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to take advantage of the great opportunities it offers.
He also hoped that France would further facilitate import of Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural and aquatic products, and encourage French firms to continue investing in Viet Nam in such areas they have strengths as digital and green transformation, and renewable energy.
Viet Nam expects that France would soon complete the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in order to create a driving force for promoting investment relations, said Pham.
The Prime Minister proposed that France would support the early removal of the EC’s yellow-card against Vietnamese seafood products, increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students; and facilitate the exchange of students and researchers between the two countries.
He also called for stronger cultural cooperation and more support from France for Viet Nam's restoration, maintenance, and preservation of local French cultural relics and UNESCO-recognized heritages.
In reply, the Senate President thanked the Vietnamese Government for always assisting and facilitating French businesses to seek opportunities and expand their operations in Viet Nam for mutual benefits.
The guest leader pledged to hold discussions with leaders of French relevant agencies with regard to the EVIPA and yellow card issues.
The two leaders affirmed disputes must be settled by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.
