Hanoi, May 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on Monday reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with France, its first comprehensive strategic partner in the European Union, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently undertaking a three-day state visit to Vietnam.
General Secretary Lâm underlined the significance of President Macron’s visit, describing it as a testament to both nations’ determination to implement tangible outcomes of the Vietnam – France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He affirmed Vietnam’s support for France’s active and influential role in the region and globally, particularly at international forums and organizations. He proposed that both countries continue leveraging their shared advantages to address regional and global challenges in a balanced and constructive manner.
President Macron expressed his pleasure in making his first state visit to Vietnam — a key partner in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Highlighting the unique historical and cultural ties between the two nations, Macron emphasized that the Vietnam – France relationship is underpinned by deep mutual trust and respect.
The two leaders reviewed the progress made since the elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October 2024. They noted with satisfaction the dynamic growth in various sectors, including economic and trade relations, high-level exchanges, and mutual support in regional and international arenas.
Reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, the leaders agreed to prioritise collaboration in political and diplomatic affairs, defence and security — including cybersecurity — economic development, maritime cooperation, and development assistance. Emphasis was also placed on fostering people-to-people ties, particularly through cultural exchanges, education, and training initiatives.
Both sides pledged to accelerate the signing of key cooperation agreements in various fields. They also committed to advancing energy transition efforts, with France supporting Việt Nam under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The leaders explored new areas of cooperation in nuclear energy, human resource development, and the peaceful application of atomic energy, including in healthcare.
General Secretary Lâm proposed that science and technology become a new pillar of bilateral cooperation, urging France to support Vietnam in strategic sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, digital transformation, semiconductors, quantum technology, and high-quality human resource training.
The leaders also stressed the importance of joint efforts in infrastructure development, including strategic infrastructure, urban transportation, and railways, in line with Vietnam’s national development goals.
President Macron reiterated France’s willingness to enhance cooperation across all sectors, especially in strategic areas aligned with the nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership. He acknowledged Vietnam’s active engagement in global affairs and reaffirmed France’s support for multilateralism, sustainable development, environmental protection, emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation.
Cultural cooperation was another key focus, with both leaders agreeing to bolster collaboration in heritage preservation, museum management, cinema, and the training of artists and performers. They also pledged to expand cooperation in healthcare, particularly in vaccine development, early disease screening, and the integration of science and technology in medical treatment.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and underscored the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue. They jointly called for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) and expressed support for efforts to achieve an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Further, they agreed to enhance collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations, search and rescue missions, and the fight against organized, transnational, and cybercrime.
The two sides concluded by affirming their shared commitment to strengthening the Vietnam – France partnership in a manner that serves mutual interests. They also voiced support for furthering Vietnam – EU and France – ASEAN ties and agreed to coordinate closely in promoting multilateralism and building a fair, democratic international order anchored in international law, with the United Nations playing a central role.
