On this occasion, French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet shared his insights with Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper, reflecting on President Macron’s recent visit, the prospects for future bilateral cooperation, and the pivotal roles of both nations in promoting global ocean protection.
Strengthening strategic dialogue and deepening Viet Nam-France relations
Ambassador Brochet emphasised that President Macron and his spouse’s recent state visit to Viet Nam state visit was a landmark event, fostering friendly exchanges and profound discussions between the two countries’ leaders.
Both sides acknowledged the challenges of a world facing numerous instabilities, with the risk of a return to bloc confrontation mentalities and challenges to the international order and international law that have been jointly built since the Second World War. They agreed that these developments pose threats to global peace, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The diplomat affirmed that the visit underscored the strong alignment between the two nations and their shared determination to strengthen cooperation—not only bilaterally but also between the EU and ASEAN. This mutual understanding provides a foundation for strategic collaboration in key areas such as security, defence, energy, and science.
France and Viet Nam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is rooted in a deep sense of mutual trust. Both nations have established a “trusted dialogue,” forming the backbone of a resilient partnership.
Following the visit, beyond friendship and cooperation, both sides have strengthened genuine trust between the two countries and their leaders to jointly confront forthcoming global challenges, he stressed.
Cooperation for sustainable oceans and innovative development
Discussing the participation of a high-level Vietnamese delegation, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Ambassador Brochet highlighted that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance reflects Viet Nam’s commitment to addressing urgent global issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity preservation.
With a coastline exceeding 3,200 kilometres, Viet Nam faces serious threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, depletion of fishery resources, and disruptions to maritime security. Its contributions at the conference hold significant weight.
France invited Viet Nam to lead a side event focusing on the world’s major river deltas, including the Mekong Delta. The ambassador noted that the conference in Nice offers a unique opportunity for the two nations to reaffirm their shared perspectives on the international stage and collaborate on solutions to pressing global challenges.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the conference reflects Viet Nam’s commitment to addressing urgent global issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity preservation
A key focus of the conference is the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). France has already ratified the treaty and encourages Viet Nam and other countries to follow suit, ensuring its swift implementation.
France envisions a future interconnected by the triangle of climate, ocean, and biodiversity. Ambassador Brochet warned that if one aspect weakens, all of humanity will be endangered.
The oceans play a central role in security, sovereignty, and sustainable development but are increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, acidification, plastic pollution, and shifting currents. Every harm to the Earth is reflected in the ocean. France is coordinating closely with the EU and Viet Nam to act promptly before it is too late.
Regarding France–Viet Nam cooperation in sustainable marine resource exploitation, the ambassador underscored the long history of France-Viet Nam collaboration on sustainable marine resource management. Both nations have been active in promoting governance for the high seas, which currently lack comprehensive regulations.
He also highlighted France – Viet Nam’s strong scientific cooperation, particularly in marine research. French institutions such as IRD, IFREMER, and CIRAD continue to work closely with Vietnamese counterparts on a variety of projects. France is also assisting Viet Nam with coastal erosion mitigation through initiatives led by the French Development Agency (AFD).
Further, France is assisting Viet Nam in meeting EU requirements to lift the 'yellow card' warning imposed on its fisheries sector. As part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Viet Nam, France announced 700,000 EUR in funding for a pilot initiative using satellite-based monitoring devices on Vietnamese fishing vessels. If successful, the programme could be extended across the entire fleet, bringing it in line with EU standards.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Brochet highlighted higher education and research as pillars of the France -Viet Nam partnership. France is keen to deepen collaboration in these areas, with a specific goal of increasing the number of Vietnamese students studying in France.
Both sides also aim to further promote Francophone culture in Viet Nam, broadening opportunities for students within the French-speaking world. Research collaboration is expanding beyond basic sciences into fields such as healthcare—particularly biomedicine—transport, nuclear energy, and applied sciences.
Finally, the ambassador emphasised that culture remains integral to France-Viet Nam relations, adding that cultural and technological innovation will form the bedrock of future cooperation.
