In a recent meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam and France have once again emphasized their commitment to bolstering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors including diplomacy, trade, defense, energy, technology, and infrastructure. The discussions involved a thorough review of the progress made in bilateral relations, with an agreement to expedite the implementation of their existing partnership action plan.
Vietnam expressed a desire for deeper collaboration with France in areas such as defense, cybersecurity, nuclear energy, science and technology, as well as in critical minerals and significant infrastructure projects. Additionally, Vietnam urged France to hasten the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to continue its support for lifting the European Union’s “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports, which impacts the country’s trade.
France, in turn, reaffirmed its view of Vietnam as a crucial strategic partner within the Asia-Pacific region. The French government expressed its willingness to expand cooperation particularly in the fields of nuclear energy, rare earths, satellite technology, transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. These developments underscore France’s interest in fostering a robust bilateral relationship with Vietnam.
Furthermore, both nations committed to strengthening their coordination on various regional and global issues, advocating for multilateralism, dialogue, and sustainable development. The agreement reflects a mutual interest in promoting stability and growth within the region and beyond, as both countries navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.