At the meeting, Hai hailed the progress achieved in bilateral relations across politics, the economy, culture, health care and education. He also commended the role of the two countries' parliamentary friendship groups in fostering mutual understanding and serving as a bridge between the two legislatures.
The ambassador proposed that Criaud and fellow lawmakers promote cooperation on par with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while advocating the parliaments of France and other EU member states expediting ratification of the EU – Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
He further expressed the hope that France will encourage the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing at an early date.
Viet Nam prioritises cooperation with France in such areas as infrastructure, urban transport, renewable energy, science and technology, aerospace, and the training of high-quality human resources, Hai affirmed.
For his part, Criaud and other members expressed their deep affection for Viet Nam and its people while praising the country’s socio-economic achievements and its growing stature on the international stage.
He affirmed that the group will serve as a proactive force in advancing initiatives beneficial to bilateral relations and in pushing forward the ratification of the EVIPA.
Ambassador Hai stated France remains one of Viet Nam’s leading partners, and that the two sides are coordinating closely at international forums such as the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF).
He also called on France to continue facilitating the integration of the Vietnamese community, enabling them to contribute to the host country’s development and to the friendship between the two nations.
On the occasion, the ambassador held a brief exchange with Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the French Socialist Party, and conveyed condolences from Vietnamese Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on the passing of former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.
