Vietnam & France foster relations

                                                          Photo: Duc Anh

Two commit to continuing strong relationship during visit by French President Francois Hollande to Vietnam.

Vietnam and France will reinforce defense cooperation, especially through military equipment procurement and mutual visits by naval ships.

France will also help Vietnam in UN peace-keeping operations and work with it to address traditional and non-traditional security issues, visiting French President Francois Hollande told State President Tran Dai Quang on September 6.

During their talks in Hanoi both Presidents agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums such as the UN, ASEAN-EU, the Asia-Europe Meeting and the Francophone community. They will continue with mutual support to promote France’s relations with Asia-Pacific countries and Vietnam’s cooperation with the EU.

Significantly, the Presidents clarified the importance of maintaining peace and stability and promoting regional and international cooperation, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

They reiterated the commitment to ensuring free navigation and aviation, stressing the peaceful settlement of East Sea disputes through diplomatic and legal processes, and with respect to international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, VNA reported.

Regarding The Hague tribunal’s ruling on July 12, both sides affirmed the principle of abiding by the law on seas and oceans. They underlined the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) while supporting efforts to reach a Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters.

The Presidents agreed to foster science-technology links, particularly in renewable energy and satellite application, while boosting cultural, tourism and educational ties. They will provide optimal conditions for Vietnamese students to study in France and help the Hanoi University of Science and Technology reach international standards.

The leaders shared the view that bilateral ties have been thriving across the board, stating their resolve to bolster the strategic partnership with a long-term cooperative vision so as to meet their common interests and concerns.

They agreed to enhance all-level visits, especially high-level visits, and to bring into play coordination mechanisms in politics, economics, defense, science-technology, culture, and education-training.

They emphasized that economic partnership remains a priority in bilateral ties and the countries need to promote cooperation in key projects in infrastructure, energy, aviation, healthcare-pharmaceuticals, the environment, agriculture, and food processing.

With 461 projects worth over $3.4 billion, France is now the third-largest European investor in Vietnam after the Netherlands and the UK, and ranks 16th among 114 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation.

Airbus secured deals worth $6.5 billion from selling 40 aircraft to Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific during President Hollande’s visit.

by Ha Nguyen / vneconmictimes.vn