Vietnam values relations with France: Party official

Paris (VNA) – Vietnam always attaches much importance to the relations with France, its leading partner in Europe and the world, according to Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong.

During meetings with leaders of French Senate and National Assembly, Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and leaders of several parties in France while leading a high-ranking delegation from the CPV to visit France from October 25-29, Vuong also stressed that France has been a priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy, expressing his hope that both sides will continue their dialogue mechanisms as well as carry out the signed agreements in an effective manner.

He took the occasion to thank France for supporting Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-2021 tenure, and contributing to the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Promotion Agreement (EVIPA).

Vuong recommended both countries boost cooperation in the framework of ASEAN and UN mechanisms, and asked France, with its increasing role in the Europe, to further its work so that the European Parliament will ratify the EVFTA and EVIPA soon.

He and French officials also discussed measures to maintain regional and global peace and stability.

A representative from the French Parliament hailed the visit and pledged to deepen the Vietnam – France strategic partnership in various sectors, adding Vietnam has played an important role in France’s strategy to promote its ties with ASEAN and Asia.

The French side suggested enhancing coordination to implement key projects between the two countries, wishing to boost economic and trade collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation.

The official affirmed to work to urge the European Parliament and the French National Assembly to approve the EVFTA and EVIPA, and voiced support to solving all disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means based on respect of international regulations, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).

Working with the French Communist Party and French Social Party, Vuong reiterated CPV’s traditional friendship with the two parties, and discussed measures to develop the cooperative ties into a more effective and practical fashion in the coming time.

Highlighting the CPV’s policy to enhance ties with ruling parties which have important roles in foreign countries, Vuong said the CPV and the French parties should enhance exchanges to better mutual understanding and outline specific measures to boost cooperation.

Leaders of the French parties hailed Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, and expressed their interest in ensuring peace, security and aviation and navigation safety in the region.

Vuong also had a meeting with the Vietnamese intellectuals in the host country, during which he laid a stress on the Party and State’s policies to branch out science-technology, and encouraged the Vietnamese scientists and intellectuals to make further contributions to realising the Politburo’s Resolution No.52-NQ/TW on promoting active participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

During their stay, the Party delegation visited a shipbuilding workshop of Alstom Group, and met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in France./.