Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna (Photo: VNA) Paris (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of Foreign AffairsBui Thanh Son has affirmed that Vietnam always treasures relationship withFrance, its importantmember in the European Union (EU) and strategic partner, with stronghistorical, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
MinisterSon, who is on France visit from June 5-6, made the statement during his talkswith French Ministerof Europe and Foreign Affairs CatherineColonna on June 5.
It has been thefirst exchange of delegation at the ministerial level in the past decade, takingplace on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomaticties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
Expressingtheir delight at the sound development of bilateral ties over the past years, theywished to work closely together to elevate ties to a new height.
The two ministersagreed to continue facilitating visits and contacts at all levels in the comingtime, especially between senior leaders. They also vowed to maintain cooperationmechanisms, including resuming the strategic security and defence dialogueat the deputy ministerial level between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministries, as well as conductingpolitical consultations at the department head level between the two foreignministries.
They werepleased to note the recovery of two-way trade following the COVID-19 pandemic,reaching 5.3 billion USD in 2022, an increase of 10% compared to 2021, withstill untapped potential. They promised to continue with the effectiveimplementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Son suggestedthe French government back and push forward the French parliament’s earlyapproval of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and urge theEuropean Commission (EC) to lift the yellow card warning against Vietnameseaquatic products.
The French ministerexpressed her appreciation for joint economic projects, especially the Nhon-Hanoiurban railway project, a symbol of Vietnam-France economic cooperation.
The two sidesalso discussed how to boost cooperation in climate change response, renewableenergy, science-technology, education and training, and pledged to jointly holdactivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties thisyear.
TheVietnamese guest suggested France continue offering support to the Vietnamesecommunity living here, contributing to upholding their role as a bridgebetween the two countries.
On regional and global issues of shared concern,they vowed to work closely together and offer mutual support at multilateralorganisations and forums, especially the United Nations (UN), and advancing theframework of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they shared views on ensuring peace, stability, security,cooperation and development in the region, and settling disputes via peacefulmeans in line with international law and the UN Charter, and respecting the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
On the occasion,Son invited Minister Colonna to pay an official visit to Vietnam. The latter accepted the invitation with pleasure./.
