Vietnam, France Vow to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnamese President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on September 11, agreeing to further promote the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. This marked the third meeting between the two leaders in nearly two years, underscoring the dynamism of the bilateral relationship and the importance both nations attach to the framework. The discussions affirmed a high level of trust and significant alignment on views concerning sovereignty, sustainable economic development, and the upholding of multilateralism. Both leaders expressed a desire to cooperate with partners from the EU and ASEAN, as well as other close partners in Europe and Asia, to safeguard the principles of open international trade and a rules-based international order, while opposing power politics and any form of threat or use of force contrary to international law. This aligns with speeches delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue by President Macron in May 2025 and President Lam in May 2026. To strengthen societal resilience, the leaders called for fostering a spirit of independence and a cooperative mindset, laying the foundation for the 2026–2028 action plan. This serves as a testament to their commitment to joint action aimed at restoring a stable and prosperous world order that fully respects international law and the UN Charter, especially in a world marked by profound instability and mounting crises. Both nations reaffirmed the importance of addressing global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while ensuring global health protection and tackling sustainable development challenges. They also reiterated the significance of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for national development. Emphasizing the essential role of the United Nations, they acknowledged the need for institutional reform and supported initiatives such as the regulation of veto power in the UN Security Council in cases of mass atrocities. In terms of regional cooperation, strengthened ties between ASEAN and the EU were supported, with France welcoming the establishment of the EU-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam expressed its support for France's proposal to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Furthermore, both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea and full respect for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reaffirmed the significance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded trade, as well as the right of innocent passage, supporting regional efforts to establish an effective Code of Conduct consistent with international law. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, they called for negotiations to end hostilities and achieve a just and sustainable peace, in accordance with international law. Both nations expressed readiness to participate in international efforts to promote dialogue and seek peaceful solutions. Deep concern was also expressed regarding the situation in the Middle East, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. They reaffirmed commitment to freedom of navigation in international straits, including the Strait of Hormuz, and reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Source: VnExpress International