Vietnamese President To Lam Concludes Official Visit to France, Signs Cooperation Documents

On the afternoon of September 10, local time, Vietnamese President (also General Secretary of the Communist Party) To Lam participated in a grand welcoming ceremony held in accordance with national protocol at Les Invalides in the capital, Paris, during his official visit to the French Republic. Following the ceremony, President Lam held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders exchanged views on deepening bilateral cooperation and subsequently witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries. This signing is expected to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two nations. This visit is positioned as part of Vietnam's diplomatic strategy to strengthen ties with key European nations, aiming to boost economic growth and expand its international influence. France, in particular, is an important partner for Vietnam within the European Union (EU), and this summit meeting and the signing of cooperation documents are considered to signify a transition to a new phase in bilateral relations. (Supplementary) Vietnam, under its one-party system, prioritizes economic growth and seeks to maximize national interests through a balanced approach in its external relations, engaging with the United States, Europe, and neighboring China. This visit to France may also align with Vietnam's strategy to diversify its supply chains and reduce economic dependence on China by strengthening ties with Europe.