Vietnam–France Ties: From Historical Foundation to Future Momentum

Vietnam and France are facing a “historic opportunity” as Vietnam undergoes rapid transformation, while France is also seeking to strengthen partnerships with dynamic economies in Asia. The two countries therefore share a common interest in moving forward together and seizing the current opportunity to bring bilateral relations into a new phase of development. According to the Élysée Palace, a key objective of the visit to France by Party General Secretary and President To Lam is to drive the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2024, thereby helping reinforce the strategic autonomy of both nations and supporting Vietnam’s ambitious development goals. Vietnam–France relations are entering a new stage of development, built on trust nurtured over generations and the strong political determination of the two countries’ leaders. In particular, the Politburo recently issued Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW on overseas Vietnamese affairs, General Secretary and President To Lam, emphasising that in the time ahead, the Party and State will continue to improve institutions, and adopt comprehensive, open and breakthrough mechanisms and policies to connect with, attract and effectively mobilise the resources of overseas Vietnamese, particularly intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs, scientists and young people. Vietnam-France relations have been nurtured over generations through historical, cultural, educational and scientific ties, as well as extensive people-to-people exchanges. Despite the ups and downs of history, the two countries have successfully built a relationship of friendship, equality and mutual respect, looking towards the future together. Dr. Benoît de Tréglodé, Director (Africa - Asia - Middle East) at the Institute of Strategic Research (IRSEM) under the French Ministry of Armed Forces, said that Vietnam and France should build a forward-looking, mutually beneficial partnership in which stronger economic and industrial ties serve as an indispensable foundation. Chairman of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association Nguyen Hai Nam said the trip demonstrates that France is truly a special partner of Vietnam in Europe. France can serve as a gateway for Vietnam to access the European Union (EU), while Vietnam can be France’s entry point for deeper engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ambassador Olivier Brochet expressed his confidence that Vietnam and France will continue to stand side by side and write new chapters of fruitful cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and world peace. Former French Ambassador to Vietnam Claude Blanchemaison said the two countries should continue to tap new drivers and pursue increasingly concrete and ambitious cooperation programmes, thereby making the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership more effective. The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency. Politburo Member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu asked the entire Party Organisation of Central Party Agencies to focus on directing advisory work and preparations to ensure the best possible organisation of the 4th plenum of the 14th CPV Central Committee. NA President Man urged the RoK legislature to encourage Korean companies to expand investment in Vietnam in priority areas, including infrastructure, semiconductors, large-scale AI data centres, energy and seaports; create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to engage more deeply in the RoK’s manufacturing supply chains. The Vietnamese and Mongolian legislatures are expected to sign cooperation documents during the visit by National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, creating a framework for greater exchanges of experience in lawmaking, supervision and making decisions on major national issues. With careful preparations and strong political determination, the top leader’s state visit is expected to open a new chapter in the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to prosperity, peace and stability in the region and the world. The official visit to Vietnam by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing from September 4-6 opened a new chapter in bilateral ties and contributed to regional peace and prosperity, while highlighting Vietnam’s constructive and pragmatic role in maintaining ASEAN unity and credibility. Vlasov assessed that Russian officials and people have increasingly recognised the significant achievements made by the Vietnamese Government in recent years, particularly in strengthening the country’s position in regional forums across Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.