Hanoi (VNA) – The state visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron from May 25–27 at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong is expected to expand comprehensive cooperation in politics, economy, culture, and energy, according to French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet.
Brochet affirmed that the visit holds a great significance for the France–Vietnam relations, with numerous cooperation agreements set to be signed.
Promoting energy cooperation
The visit is part of the French leader’s tour to three Southeast Asian countries, namely Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, aimed at further implementing France’s Indo-Pacific Strategy introduced in 2018. It reflects France’s desire and strong commitment to deepen relations with partners in the region, fostering partnerships for stability and development.
Brochet noted that during the visit to France by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam last October, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Just eight months later, President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam once again affirms the flourishing development of bilateral relations and the solid framework of cooperation the two countries have established.
The ambassador expressed his hope that building on their trusted partnership, the two countries will step up their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across areas, from politics and economy, to scientific research, education, culture, defence, as well as global challenges.
The French President will have meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders, and several other activities, including a meeting with young people and students from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), as well as those joining French training programmes.
A view of a working session between representatives of the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology's representative office in France and overseas Vietnamese experts working in nuclear power. (Photo: VNA)
Macron will deliver a speech to Vietnamese youth, spotlighting the bilateral relationship and the future of both countries, the role played by young people and France’s support in research, education, and innovation activities.
The visit will offer a chance for Vietnamese and French partners to boost cooperation projects in economics, defence and security, the diplomat said, noting that the two sides will discuss ways for France to support Vietnam in accelerating its energy transition progress.
A document is expected to be inked between the French Development Agency (AFD) and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) to construct a power transmission line, which is part of France’s support for Vietnam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) mechanism.
According to the diplomat, Macron’s visit to Vietnam is an opportunity to reaffirm the strong development of bilateral relations, as well as the mutual desire to elevate the relationship to a new level in the near future. It is also a chance for the two sides to demonstrate their determination to build a modern and dynamic partnership based on mutual respect for interests and sovereignty of each other, Brochet said.
Putting commitments into practice
Brochet expressed his confidence that the upcoming high-level meetings between the two sides will be an opportunity to further strengthen the France–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasised that this will be reflected through concrete actions in the near future.
France hopes to beef up cooperation with Vietnam in various fields such as energy, including nuclear energy, transportation, and high technologies, notably artificial intelligence (AI), the diplomat said.
France pays special attention to the visions outlined by Vietnam, especially major strategic infrastructure projects such as the high-speed railway initiative, he noted, adding that this is an area where many French companies have strong expertise.
The ambassador also emphasised the quality of cultural cooperation, saying that the French Embassy not only organises events to introduce French culture to Vietnam, but more importantly, fosters partnerships that help develop cultural and creative industries in Vietnam.
Notably, with support from the French Embassy, Vietnam had a booth at the 78th Cannes Film Festival this year, he added.
Brochet affirmed that Macron’s visit to Vietnam highlights the importance of France-Vietnam relations and demonstrates the commitment to building a modern and dynamic partnership based on mutual respect, with the goal of elevating the bilateral relationship to a new height./.
