Over the last 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and France have achieved significant milestones. On the occasion of France’s National Day on July 14, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet gave an interview to VietnamNet.

Highlighting the significance of France’s National Day, Ambassador Brochet noted that July 14 commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, marking the end of the old regime in France. A year later, on July 14, 1790, the “Festival of the Republic” took place, symbolizing the unity of the French people under a new regime.

“This holiday is celebrated worldwide. In Vietnam, we mark it with special significance, honoring the friendship and reflecting on over five decades of our bilateral relations,” the Ambassador shared.

This year, the Embassy will organize France’s National Day on a scale similar to pre-Covid-19 times.

“We are delighted to welcome Vietnamese guests from the diplomatic corps, government agencies, major businesses, and the French community in Vietnam. There will also be a surprise, as a Vietnamese singer will perform French songs in both French and Vietnamese,” the Ambassador said.

Vietnam-France relations

Regarding the special Vietnam-France relationship, Ambassador Brochet summarized it in three keywords: Friendship, Partnership, and Trust.

Friendship: The two countries share a deep historical bond, marked by ups and downs, which makes their relationship distinctive. Both nations value this uniqueness and look back at the past, including its most tragic periods, calmly and with goodwill, to build a brighter future.

In May 2024, the French Minister of the Armed Forces visited Dien Bien Phu for the 70th anniversary of the historic victory. Recently, during a visit to Vietnam, President Macron and General Secretary To Lam planted a friendship tree at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site near Ba Dinh Square, where, 80 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: This is the most significant outcome of the Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to France in October 2024. France and Vietnam have worked closely to implement cooperation in areas outlined in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Declaration, realized through numerous agreements signed during the French President’s recent visit to Vietnam.

The Ambassador noted that 30 agreements cover all areas of bilateral cooperation. Notable agreements include the ones on national defense, with a letter of intent to enhance cooperation between the Defense Ministers; sustainable development, with collaboration on energy transition and transport infrastructure, particularly railways; innovation, including healthcare; and an intergovernmental agreement on scientific research.

Trust: It is no coincidence that Vietnam was chosen as the first stop on President Macron’s Southeast Asia tour. This reflects the special importance and high regard the President has for Vietnam. He aimed to share perspectives on international issues and promote cooperative relations based on mutual trust.

Trade remains a key pillar, reflecting the depth and effectiveness of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Brochet noted that, despite global economic fluctuations, Vietnam-France bilateral trade continues to grow positively, both in terms of product structure and cooperation potential.

French exports to Vietnam have increased, while Vietnam’s exports to France have grown significantly. Key French exports to Vietnam include aviation, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

In Southeast Asia, only two countries have free trade agreements with the EU, including Vietnam (EVFTA). Brochet noted that this an important agreement for fostering balance for both Vietnam and the EU.

French businesses are eager to collaborate with Vietnam on strategic projects, committed to providing not only the best technology but also support in training Vietnamese personnel and technology experts.

Speaking at the University of Science and Technology, President Macron outlined the future of bilateral relations and the role of the younger generation. France offers scholarship programs for Vietnamese students, with Vietnam ranking third globally in receiving French government scholarships.

Vietnam aims to become a high-income country by 2045. The Ambassador praised Vietnam’s ambitious goals, viewing them as legitimate aspirations for national development and improving people’s lives. France fully supports Vietnam in achieving these objectives.

The Ambassador highlighted notable sustainable development projects France has supported in Vietnam, such as Metro Line 3 (Nhon - Hanoi Station) and Metro Line 1 in HCMC, which provide convenience for residents and aid Vietnam’s sustainable transition.

During a working visit to France in June, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the French National Railway Company (SNCF). He requested continued cooperation, experience sharing, technology transfer, financial support, and human resource training to contribute to building and developing Vietnam’s railway industry.

Tran Thuong - Thai An