Paris, September 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam and France have adopted a 2026–2028 action plan to promote the implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, security, scientific, technological, environmental and cultural fields.
The joint statement was issued during the official visit to France by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm, who also attended the International Space Summit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting marked the third encounter between the two leaders in nearly two years and underscored the importance both countries attach to advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership established during President Tô Lâm’s visit to France in October 2024.
The two leaders noted a high level of mutual trust and significant convergence of views on sovereignty, sustainable economic development and the importance of multilateralism. They expressed their intention to cooperate with partners from the European Union, ASEAN and other countries in Europe and Asia to uphold open international trade and a rules-based international order, while opposing power politics and threats or the use of force contrary to international law.
Against the backdrop of growing global instability and challenges to international law, Vietnam and France reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote a stable and prosperous international order based on respect for international law and the UN Charter.
The two sides emphasised the importance of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while promoting global health, sustainable development, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Vietnam and France reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in the international system and supported institutional reform within the organisation. Vietnam also backed the France-Mexico initiative concerning regulation of the use of the veto in the UN Security Council in cases involving mass atrocities.
The two countries agreed to enhance consultation and coordination in regional forums and welcomed stronger ASEAN-EU cooperation. France welcomed the establishment of the EU-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2026, while Vietnam supported stronger French engagement with ASEAN and France’s proposal to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
Both sides also supported enhanced cooperation between the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with Vietnam set to chair the grouping in 2026.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation within the International Organisation of La Francophonie ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh in November 2026. They expressed hope that the summit would strengthen the use of French in the region and create new opportunities for cultural and economic cooperation.
Regional and International Issues
Vietnam and France reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the East Sea and stressed full respect for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two countries reiterated that UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework governing activities in the seas and oceans. They supported the peaceful settlement of disputes and opposed threats or the use of force contrary to international law.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, maritime security, unimpeded trade and the right of innocent passage in the East Sea and worldwide. They supported regional efforts to establish an effective and substantive Code of Conduct consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
On Ukraine, Vietnam and France called on relevant parties to negotiate an end to hostilities and work towards a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in accordance with international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
Regarding the Middle East, the two leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and called for de-escalation, restraint and diplomatic solutions. They reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation through international straits and called for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
The two countries also expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank, reaffirming their support for the two-state solution and calling for an immediate cessation of actions that escalate tensions, respect for ceasefires and adherence to international law.
Economic, Defence and Security Cooperation
Amid changes in the global economy, Vietnam and France reaffirmed their determination to build reliable and mutually beneficial economic partnerships, strengthen supply-chain resilience and promote sustainable investment in strategic sectors.
The two leaders welcomed the Vietnam-France Business Leaders Forum and identified several priority areas for expanded cooperation.
The two countries agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly in defence industry and technology, while accelerating cooperation aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s capabilities in the sector. They also welcomed increased cooperation in peacekeeping operations and the sharing of historical and wartime memories.
Cooperation in combating organised and transnational crime, illegal migration and human trafficking will also be strengthened, alongside enhanced information exchange and collaboration in civil security and defence.
Vietnam and France welcomed greater cooperation in legal and judicial affairs and supported continued efforts to expand trade under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Vietnam welcomed France’s progress towards ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which is expected to be completed in 2026.
The two countries also agreed to continue cooperation in fisheries, with France providing technical assistance to Vietnam in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries.
Science, Technology, Energy and Infrastructure
Science and technology were identified as key pillars of the bilateral partnership. Cooperation will be expanded through training, joint research programmes, research infrastructure investment and private-sector partnerships.
Priority areas include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, digital technologies, biotechnology, energy, marine technologies and smart transport.
Vietnam and France welcomed the successful International Space Summit held in Paris on September 9–10, 2026, and expressed their intention to cooperate on the VNREDSat-2 Earth observation satellite supply and launch project, supported by France through French financial instruments.
The two sides also welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent on critical minerals and plans to establish cooperation involving the French Geological Survey, the French Development Agency and Vietnam’s Department of Geology and Minerals.
Cooperation will also be expanded in strategic infrastructure, particularly energy and transport networks, including railways and urban transport.
The two leaders welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction and Systra concerning the renovation of the Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line, a project to be supported by France.
They also welcomed an agreement involving the Hanoi People’s Committee, the French Development Agency and the University of Transport Technology concerning the establishment of a Railway Technology School.
The two countries further welcomed continued cooperation in civil aviation and the signing of major contracts between French and Vietnamese companies.
In the energy sector, Vietnam and France will deepen cooperation, including on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, advanced nuclear technologies and human-resource development.
The two sides will also cooperate on energy infrastructure and the modernisation of electricity systems and markets to facilitate the integration of renewable energy.
Climate, Environment and Health
Vietnam and France reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, particularly plastic pollution, and to implementing the Paris Agreement.
Both sides pledged to pursue ambitious climate commitments, accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, promote low-carbon electrification and develop low- and zero-emission energy sources with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 while maintaining energy security and sustainable development.
France welcomed Vietnam’s targets for achieving net-zero emissions and phasing out coal-fired power generation by 2050, while Vietnam welcomed France’s continued implementation of commitments under the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and recognised the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable management.
They welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and noted that the first Conference of the Parties, scheduled for January 2027, would be important for implementing the agreement.
Vietnam and France also welcomed the World Delta Summit and expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation concerning the Mekong River. France expressed readiness to assist Vietnam in ratifying the UN Water Convention on cooperation over transboundary water resources.
In the health sector, the two countries supported enhanced cooperation through a new bilateral intergovernmental agreement and continued coordination in multilateral forums under the “One Health” approach.
Education and Cultural Cooperation
Vietnam and France agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges through cooperation in culture, heritage preservation, the arts, cultural industries, sports, science and innovation.
The two sides will also expand exchange programmes for students and young researchers, including doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, through the new Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC Hoa Sen Lotus) programme.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing education and training agreements, particularly initiatives supporting French-language education in Vietnam.
France welcomed Vietnam’s plan to relocate the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi to its new campus in Hoa Lac by 2028, which is expected to further develop the university as a regional centre of academic excellence.
The two leaders also welcomed France’s return of a Dong Son bronze drum to Vietnamese authorities as part of their shared efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The joint statement underscores the two countries’ determination to translate their comprehensive strategic partnership into concrete cooperation and long-term projects across a wide range of strategic sectors.
