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Vietnam FM Urges Deeper Cooperation with France, Citing Economic and Tech Potential
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung has urged the outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam to deepen bilateral cooperation. He called for unlocking the full potential in economic, trade, and investment ties, and seeking breakthroughs in science-technology, energy, and aerospace. Cooperation in defense, healthcare, education, culture, and at the local level was also emphasized.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung called on Vietnam and France to maintain delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, and make economic, trade and investment cooperation on par with their potential. He also urged the two countries to seek breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, energy, aerospace, transport and railways; and deepen defence-security, healthcare, education-training, cultural and local-level collaboration. This statement from the Vietnamese Foreign Minister highlights Vietnam's ongoing efforts to diversify its international relations and strengthen ties with Europe, particularly as it continues its economic growth trajectory. Within Vietnam's one-party system, economic development is crucial for the legitimacy of the ruling party, making the adoption of advanced technologies and investment essential. Enhancing cooperation with France can also be seen as strategically significant in reducing economic dependence on China and maintaining geopolitical balance. The Minister's remarks go beyond mere diplomatic courtesies, indicating Vietnam's expectation for tangible progress by proposing specific areas for cooperation. Collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as science-technology and innovation is directly linked to upgrading Vietnam's industrial structure and enhancing its competitiveness, making future developments in the bilateral relationship a point of keen interest.
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