Vietnam, France ink agreements during Macron’s visit

THE HANOI TIMES — Dozens of agreements were signed at the meeting between Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron in Hanoi during the latter’s state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

This marked a major turning point in bilateral relations following the upgrading of the relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the highest level of diplomatic cooperation. France has now become the first EU nation to reach this status with Vietnam.

Today [May 26], the two sides inked 14 agreements spanning critical sectors such as defense, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education, especially VietJet Air’s purchase of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft.

In the defense sector, both nations pledged closer collaboration, with plans to launch a Vietnam-France Defense Strategy and Cooperation Dialogue. The agenda includes joint efforts in cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, officer training, and transnational crime prevention, demonstrating their commitment to regional security and stability.

Other key areas of agreement include nuclear energy cooperation, railway infrastructure development, vaccine manufacturing, and satellite technology, highlighting both countries’ interest in expanding partnerships in science and sustainable development.

On the same day, President Macron held bilateral talks with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, focusing on boosting economic ties and regional connectivity.

France has pledged to expedite the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), advocate for the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” warning related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on Vietnamese seafood, and support the expansion of Vietnam’s seafood exports to France and the broader EU market.

Vietnam called on France to continue its support for development cooperation through official development assistance (ODA) and concessional government loans. These resources would be directed toward projects aimed at strengthening climate resilience and enhancing the quality of human resources in the energy sector.

Additionally, Vietnam requested France’s continued assistance in implementing specific initiatives under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework.

President Luong Cuong also proposed that France confirm its commitment to co-hosting the 13th Vietnam-France Decentralization in the near future.

Discussing regional and global issues of shared interest, President Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to its “Four No’s” defense policy in international relations.

Macron also met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, where the discussions centered on infrastructure, renewable and hydrogen energy, aerospace, and high-tech industries, the fields where France sees long-term strategic potential.

In a gesture of cultural diplomacy, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron joined General Secretary To Lam and his spouse for a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam built in the 11th century. The visit celebrated the countries’ shared respect for history and education, reinforcing the cultural foundation of their deepening partnership.

President Macron’s visit reflects France’s aspiration to be a reliable partner in Southeast Asia. The newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership sets the stage for intensified collaboration on global challenges, including climate change, energy transition, and trade.

Macron’s trip affirmed a joint vision rooted in respect for international law and people-centered development, a vision that both France and Vietnam are now committed to advancing together.