In a recent meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam and France have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This commitment is set to advance through increased collaboration across various sectors, including diplomacy, trade, defense, energy, technology, and infrastructure. The discussions between the two nations focused on reviewing the progress made in their bilateral relations and emphasized the need to expedite the execution of their partnership action plan.
Vietnam emphasized the importance of bolstering cooperation in areas such as defense, cybersecurity, nuclear energy, science and technology, critical minerals, and significant infrastructure projects. Furthermore, Vietnam pushed for France to hasten the ratification process of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). It also sought continued support from France in advocating for the removal of the European Union’s “yellow card” designation on Vietnamese seafood exports, which has been a point of concern for the Southeast Asian nation.
From the French perspective, Vietnam is seen as a pivotal strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region. France expressed a keen interest in broadening cooperation, particularly in sectors such as nuclear energy, rare earths, satellite technology, transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. These areas are considered crucial for enhancing economic and technological ties between the two countries.
Additionally, both nations committed to strengthening their coordination on regional and global issues, underscoring their shared commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and sustainable development. This cooperative effort aims to address broader challenges and opportunities within the international community, reflecting a mutual understanding of the importance of collaborative global engagement.