Vietnam-France Political Trust Must Translate to Concrete Cooperation: Ex-Diplomat

Vietnam and France share a special historical legacy and robust political ties. Building on this foundation, former French Ambassador to Vietnam Serge Degallaix proposed translating their political trust into concrete cooperation, particularly in education and technology. Degallaix emphasized that in a rapidly changing global landscape, both nations have common interests in fostering a stronger, more autonomous relationship. He underscored the importance of a vision for strengthening ties over the next two decades. Vietnam has recently sought to enhance educational and technological cooperation with France. The two countries have also issued a joint statement on promoting the implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership, indicating Vietnam's consistent diplomatic stance aimed at transitioning beyond mere political alignment to substantive cooperation. Under its one-party system, Vietnam tends to prioritize national stability and economic growth in its foreign policy. Especially given its complex relationship with China, strengthening ties with European countries is crucial for diversifying Vietnam's diplomacy and securing its national interests. Deepening cooperation with France aligns with these strategic considerations. For Vietnam's continuously growing economy, cooperation with France, a country with advanced technology and education systems, is essential for industrial upgrading and human resource development. This proposal is noteworthy as it outlines concrete directions for maximizing the potential of bilateral relations.