VN, France resolved to deepen strategic partnership
VGP – Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his French counterpart Édouard Philippe affirmed their resolve to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries during their talks in Ha Noi on Friday.
Infographics: Major milestones of Viet Nam-France relationship
Photos: PM hosts welcome ceremony for French counterpart
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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and French counterpart Édouard Philippe at the Government Office Headquarters in Ha Noi on November 2, 2018. Photo: VGP |
The two sides affirmed economic cooperation will still remain a priority area of the bilateral ties. In this regard, PM Philippe voiced support for early signing and ratification of the Viet Nam-EU free trade agreement, adding France will continue development assistance for Viet Nam in the future.
The pair agreed to encourage businesses of the two countries to enhance partnership in Viet Nam’s priority domain like infrastructure, energy, aviation, healthcare, climate change adaptation, and smart city development.
Both sides agreed to step up cooperation in such new field as e-Government development and modernization of state governance, underlining the importance of education and training as well as cultural cooperation.
The two leaders pledged to enhance collaboration to ensure the success of the 11th local-to-local cooperation conference scheduled to take place in Toulouse in April next year.
The two Government chief also agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and the Francophone community, and in global issues, particularly climate change adaptation.
They stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability and accelerating cooperation at both regional and international levels, reaffirming their commitment to ensure freedom of navigation and aviation and peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
PM Philippe stated France expects to take a greater role in the Asia-Pacific region.
The same day, PM Phuc and PM Philippe witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents on e-Government development, healthcare, environmental protection, and Airbus plane purchase./.
By Quang Minh
