(MPI) - On the basis of the achievements of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, and similarities in interests and shared vision on compliance with the United Nations Charter, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam and President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership, on the occasion of General Secretary and President To Lam's official visit to France from October 6-7.

General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam and President of France Emmanuel Macron. Photo: TTXVN

General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their common resolve to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation, which are pillars of the bilateral ties. They reiterated the importance of continuing implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, including market access and protection of intellectual property rights.

On investment, both sides will continue to facilitate their projects in each country towards a transparent, stable and predictable business environment. Both sides underscored the significance of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Viet Nam expected France to soon ratify the agreement.

Both sides expressed their wish to develop and deepen strategic cooperation in innovation and new technologies, especially through the exchange of public policies and training activities.

Vietnam hoped to step up cooperation with France and French companies in the fields of infrastructure, urban and railway transport, renewable energy, energy transition, non-carbon hydrogen, digital economy, circular economy, logistics and seaport infrastructure, civil aviation, and submarine cables.

The sides agreed to foster collaboration in training, research and application of civil nuclear technology, especially in the energy sector. They also pledged to expand cooperation in the fields of satellites and essential minerals.

Vietnam and France committed to bolstering bilateral ties on the back of mutual respect for international law, equality, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and political system of each other.

The two sides pledged to forge defense ties in order to strengthen their self-reliance capabilities in accordance with each side's demand. They decided to create a new driving force for military industry cooperation through joint structural projects.

Facing challenges caused by climate change, Vietnam and france reaffirmed their determination to achieve the goals set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. They reiterated their commitment to achieving a balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection, within the framework of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P).

France welcomed Vietnam's strong commitments towards the net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and coal phase-out, and pledged to continue supporting Vietnam in achieving these goals and building a low-emission economic model.

Vietnam acknowledged and supported the Coal Transition Accelerator (CTA) initiative. France will continue cooperating with Vietnam to cope with climate change across the country, including the Mekong Delta.

People-to-people exchanges are the foundation of the bilateral ties. Both sides pledged to promote the exchanges between the two peoples, facilitating cultural cooperation, including heritage, sports, exchange of teachers, students and scientists, as well as teaching Vietnamese and French. People-to-people exchanges contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and solidarity between the youth and peoples of the two countries. This is also the important driving force for economic and social development./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment