Ample room remains for Vietnam-France defence cooperation: Minister
Giang emphasised that the two countries’ defence cooperation has continued to be strengthened and developed practically and effectively in many fields, in line with the contents agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders and the two defence ministries, as well as the signed cooperation documents, notably in areas such as delegation exchanges, training, United Nations peacekeeping, and defence industry.
Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (right) and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang on May 26 said that ample room remains for defence cooperation between Vietnam and France when he met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sé༺bastien Lecornu who is escorting French President Emmanuel Macron on a State visit to Vietnam.
Giang highly appreciated the positive development in the Vietnam - France relations, especially the upgrade of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the official visit to France by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in October 2024.
He emphasised that the two countries’ defence cooperation has continued to be strengthened and developed practically and effectively in many fields, in line with the contents agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders and the two defence ministries, as well as the signed cooperation documents, notably in areas such as delegation exchanges, training, United Nations peacekeeping, and defence industry.
Affirming that there is still much potential for defence cooperation between the two ministries, Giang suggested that in the coming time, the two sides should continue to well implement the cooperation orientations on the basis of the joint perceptions of the two countries' senior leaders and the annual cooperation programme.
Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu at the meeting in Hanoi on May 26. (Photo: VNA)
On this occasion, Giang thanked the Ministry of the Armed Forces for sending a delegation and defence enterprises to attend and display products at the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, contributing to the overall success of the expo.
Expressing his delight at visiting Vietnam for the second time, Lecornu emphasised that the meeting with the Vietnamese minister is an important sign of the good development in the relationship between the two countries. Vietnam and France share the desire for peace, respect for international law and mutual respect, he said.
Recalling the cooperation contents just agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders during the State visit to Vietnam by French President Macron, Lecornu said that he hopes that the two sides will actively promote cooperation in the field of defence, thereby continuing to make more substantial and effective contributions to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries./.
The upcoming state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron presents an excellent opportunity for the leaders of both nations to align on concrete next steps for implementing the frameworks outlined in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
France is a priority tourism market for Vietnam with nearly 279,000 French travellers coming to Vietnam in 2024, representing a 97% recovery from pre-COVID-19 levels.
Party leader To Lam highlighted France’s role as the first EU nation to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, a testament to its commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.
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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
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The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
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New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
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Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
