In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang reviewed development steps of the Vietnam-France relations, saying the two countries have enhanced their cooperation and dialogue amid global uncertainties.
The diplomat highlighted meetings and contacts between the two sides in all spheres and at all levels, including the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and then Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the APEC Leaders' Meeting in November 2022, the phone talks between the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of the two countries in October 2022, and the recent visits to Vietnam by delegations of the French government and localities within the framework of the 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
Pointing out both risks and opportunities ahead, he suggested the two countries establish a long-term partnership, for the sake of their people, and cooperate comprehensively.
Cooperation for peace, stability, dialogue and multilateralism in the world and Indo-Pacific in particular remains an important task shared by the two countries, he continued.
The ambassador also stressed the need to invest in youngsters, and promote collaboration in education and training in order to consolidate mutual understanding and bring new vitality to the close relationship.
He urged Vietnamese and French partners to step up cooperation in key areas such as green, sustainable growth, to which both countries have made strong commitments.
Benoit Guidée, Asia and Oceania Director at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, also emphasised the close ties and mutual understanding between the two countries, as reflected through not only high-level visits by their leaders but also the diverse relations between associations and localities.
He affirmed that the French people always have strong sentiments for Vietnam, saying the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties has created new momentum for the relationship in all fields.
