Vietnam and France Agree to Boost Cooperation in Space and Clean Energy Sectors

Vietnamese President To Lam and French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu held a meeting in Paris on September 10, agreeing to strengthen cooperation to further deepen bilateral relations. During the meeting, President To Lam affirmed that France is one of Vietnam's most important partners in Europe, expressing a desire to maximize complementary advantages to deepen the new partnership framework. Prime Minister Lecornu emphasized that France considers Vietnam a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, with France serving as Vietnam's gateway to the EU and Vietnam as France's gateway to ASEAN. The two leaders agreed to actively exchange delegations at all levels and establish new cooperation mechanisms suitable for the scope of the relationship. They also committed to effectively implement the Vietnam-France Action Plan for the 2026-2028 period, continuing to strengthen defense and security cooperation, UN peacekeeping efforts, and combating transnational organized crime. Furthermore, both sides agreed to concentrate resources on promoting key, symbolic projects in areas where France has strengths and Vietnam has strategic needs. These include aerospace, strategic transportation infrastructure, clean energy, and essential minerals. This focus aims to elevate economic and trade ties to a level commensurate with the comprehensive strategic partnership. Both nations will effectively utilize the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to further open markets for products in which each country has a comparative advantage, thereby promoting balanced growth in bilateral trade. France expressed interest in participating in projects in Vietnam related to energy, strategic infrastructure, and mineral resources, and offered support for the development of international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. In addition to deepening traditional cooperation in culture, education, healthcare, and local connectivity, they also agreed to enhance collaboration in new fields such as science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. President To Lam requested French support for the European Commission to lift the "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Prime Minister Lecornu affirmed his commitment to supporting Vietnam on this issue and regarding the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Both sides shared a common vision of prioritizing multilateralism and resolving conflicts peacefully based on the UN Charter and international law. They agreed that disputes in the East Sea should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law and UNCLOS 1982. Cooperation and mutual support will continue within the frameworks of the United Nations, UNESCO, the Francophonie, and ASEAN-EU. President To Lam also requested the French government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in France to stabilize their lives, integrate into society, and play a role as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.