Top Vietnamese Leader's Visit to France to Usher in New Era for Bilateral Ties

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam is scheduled to pay an official visit to France from September 10-12, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. This visit comes nearly two years after Vietnam and France elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Ambassador Olivier Brochet, in an interview with VGP (Government News), expressed his expectation that the visit will inject new momentum into bilateral relations. He highlighted progress in the energy transition sector, noting that the French Development Agency (AFD) has committed more than two-thirds of the funding pledged by France to support Vietnam's transition to a low-carbon economy. The Ambassador also pointed to advancements in major economic and industrial projects, anticipating several symbolic announcements during the visit that will demonstrate the two countries' determination to build for the future. Ambassador Brochet further stated that the visit will be forward-looking, with exploration of new areas for cooperation such as space, low-carbon energy, strategic minerals, research, education, and training. He specifically welcomed the General Secretary and President's decision to visit Paris-Saclay, France's largest university and research cluster, viewing it as an opportunity to further promote cooperation in science, technology, research, and high-quality human resource training. Regarding General Secretary and State President To Lam's participation in the International Space Summit, Ambassador Brochet stated that France is "very, very welcome" to his attendance. Initiated by President Macron, the summit aims to foster international discussions on the governance of outer space, which the Ambassador emphasized should be considered a "common heritage of humanity." He stressed the need to reconsider and update the international legal framework governing outer space amidst rapidly expanding state and private activities. Vietnam's participation in the summit is seen as an opportunity for the Southeast Asian nation to voice the needs and interests of Global South countries regarding access to and use of outer space, contributing to global discussions on this emerging issue.