France always treasures sentiment and attaches importance to fostering friendship with Vietnam, said Christian Poncelet, Chairman of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

During his meeting with Chairwoman of the HCM City People’s Council Pham Phuong Thao in HCM City on Oct. 13, Poncelet described Vietnam-France relations as a bright example of bilateral ties between the two countries based on mutual understanding and respect, looking into the future and having similar concerns over global issues.

Poncelet, former speaker of the French Senate, spoke highly of Vietnam ’s role as ASEAN Chair.

Vietnam will be a gateway for France and Europe to penetrate into Asia and vice versa Vietnam will access Europe through France as the European country is going to hold the G20 Chair, he said.

Thao stressed the status of the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and France, saying that France is Vietnam’s larg donor and provides assistance to HCM City, particularly in education and training, healthcare and culture.

Also at the meeting, Poncelet shared his concern over cultural and architectural heritages in the city, saying the heritages were important for French people when visiting the city.

The chairwoman said she hoped that France would continue to help HCM City preserve and restore significant architectural buildings./.