Over 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and France have achieved many important achievements. On the occasion of the French National Day on July 14, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet gave an interview about the relationship between the two countries.

Highlighting the significance of the French National Day, Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that July 14 is an occasion to commemorate the storming of the Bastille (1789), marking the end of the old regime in France. One year later, on July 14, 1790, the “festival of the republic” took place, symbolizing the unity of the French people under a new regime.

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet in an interview. Photo: Pham Hai

"This holiday is celebrated all over the world . And in Vietnam, we also celebrate it with a very special meaning to honor friendship, an opportunity to look back on the relationship between our two countries over the past 5 decades," the Ambassador shared.

This year the Embassy will celebrate French National Day on the same scale as before the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are pleased to welcome Vietnamese guests from the diplomatic community, government agencies, large businesses, and the French community in Vietnam. In addition, there will be a surprise when a Vietnamese singer will participate in performing French songs in both French and Vietnamese. I would like to share a little information like that so that on that day there will be a surprise", the Ambassador revealed.

3 KEYWORDS OF VIETNAM - FRANCE RELATIONS

Regarding the special Vietnam-France relationship, Ambassador Olivier Brochet can summarize it with three keywords: Friendship - Partnership - Trust .

Friendship , the two countries are closely linked with each other through a long history, through ups and downs, this is what creates the highlight in the relationship between the two countries. Both countries cherish this special thing, shown by looking back at the past with calmness and goodwill, including the most tragic periods in history, to look forward to a bright future together.

In May 2024, the French Minister of the Army visited Dien Bien Phu to attend the 70th anniversary of the historic victory. Recently, during his visit to Vietnam, President Macron and General Secretary To Lam planted a friendship tree in the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site, near Ba Dinh Square - where 80 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership , this is the most important achievement of General Secretary To Lam's visit to France in October 2024. France and Vietnam have coordinated smoothly to implement cooperation in the areas stated in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Declaration and realized by a series of documents signed during the recent visit to Vietnam by the French President.

General Secretary To Lam met with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Vietnam in May. Photo: Pham Hai

The Ambassador said that the 30 documents covered all areas of bilateral cooperation. Typical are agreements on defense with a letter of intent to enhance cooperation between the two defense ministers; sustainable development with cooperation on energy transition, development of transport infrastructure, especially railways; innovation, including health care; and an intergovernmental agreement on scientific research.

Trust , it is not by chance that Vietnam was chosen as President Macron's first destination during his trip to Southeast Asia. It shows the special respect and appreciation that the President has for Vietnam. The President wants to share with Vietnam his views on the international situation and promote a cooperative relationship based on trust.

Trade has always been one of the main pillars, reflecting the depth and practical effectiveness of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Ambassador Olivier Brochet informed that in the context of many fluctuations in the global economy, the two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and France still maintains a positive growth trend, both in terms of product structure and cooperation potential.

French exports to Vietnam have also increased and Vietnamese exports to France have increased very strongly. The main products that France exports to Vietnam are mainly aviation, medical and pharmaceutical products.

In Southeast Asia, there are only two countries that have a free trade agreement with the European Union, including Vietnam (EVFTA). Mr. Olivier Brochet said that this is an important agreement because it aims to balance both Vietnam and the European Union.

“We also hope that this agreement will not be negatively affected by other trade agreements signed under unfavorable conditions. And most importantly, both sides need to continue to fully implement the commitments in the EVFTA, which have been guaranteed so far,” the Ambassador stressed.

However, he also said that it is necessary to be vigilant against non-tariff barriers. In case non-tariff barriers are applied without transparency, it will affect the real value of this agreement.

French businesses wish to cooperate with Vietnam in strategic projects, with a commitment to not only bring the best technology but also be ready to help Vietnam train staff and technology experts.

French President Emmanuel Macron interacted with students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology during his visit to Vietnam in May. Photo: Pham Hai

Speaking at the University of Science and Technology, President Macron gave a speech on the future of the relationship between the two countries and the role of the younger generation. France also has scholarship programs for Vietnamese students, Vietnam is the third country in the world to benefit from scholarships from the French Government.

Vietnam aims to become a high-income country by 2045. The Ambassador highly appreciates the goals and determination that Vietnam has set, because this is a legitimate need to develop the country and improve people's lives. France fully supports Vietnam in achieving these goals.

The Ambassador pointed out a number of outstanding projects in sustainable development that France has supported and cooperated with Vietnam, such as the Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station metro line 3 project and the Ho Chi Minh City metro line 1, bringing convenience to people and helping Vietnam in the process of sustainable transition.

People travel on the Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station metro line. Photo: Hoang Ha

He affirmed that the projects were implemented very successfully, meeting the expectations of many people, and many French officials visiting Vietnam visited these projects.

"We hope that the underground part will also be completed as soon as possible and the extension project of this metro line will also be implemented and completed soon to serve the people of Hanoi.

We are also closely monitoring the bidding process for upcoming metro lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and are particularly interested in all projects related to the railway development system in Vietnam, including high-speed railway lines," the Ambassador said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited and worked at the French National Railway Corporation in Paris. Photo: VNA

During his working trip to France in June, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the French National Railway Corporation (SNCF). The Prime Minister proposed that France and SNCF continue to cooperate, share experiences, transfer technology, support capital, train human resources, and contribute to the construction and development of the railway industry in Vietnam.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/phap-dac-biet-quan-tam-cac-du-an-metro-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-cua-viet-nam-2420999.html