French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron recently completed a highly successful visit to Vietnam. French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet shared insights into the behind-the-scenes significance and long-term cooperation potential following the visit.

Vietnam: France’s gateway to ASEAN

Ambassador Brochet emphasized that both countries viewed the visit as a turning point, energizing their comprehensive strategic partnership.

“What impressed me most in President Macron’s discussions with General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man was their deep interest in the specific geopolitical context affecting both countries and Vietnam-France relations,” the Ambassador said.

With global instability rising due to conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia affecting trade and the economy, both nations aim to proactively maintain cooperation and global stability.

He stressed that Vietnam and France already enjoy mutual understanding and the highest level of diplomatic ties - a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Macron’s visit, he said, helped shape a roadmap for the future.

France introduced its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2018 to promote a stable, law-based multipolar order. The EU later adopted a similar stance, giving strategic importance to ASEAN. With its large population and growing economic influence, ASEAN has become a key geopolitical hub - and Vietnam, Ambassador Brochet noted, is the natural gateway for France and the EU to deepen relations with the region.

For decades, France has aimed to increase strategic autonomy in international relations. In defense, it has signed major deals with Singapore, Indonesia, and India for Rafale jets, submarines, and military equipment.

In emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, Brochet noted the importance of fair access. “If only a few major powers control the core data, other nations can’t master the technology,” he warned. Macron conveyed France’s readiness to cooperate with Vietnam across fields like energy, transport, and AI.

“The President said clearly: there are no limits - everything depends on Vietnam’s needs,” the Ambassador emphasized.

A visit filled with warmth and symbolism

President Macron’s itinerary reflected strong personal ties between Vietnamese and French leaders.

General Secretary To Lam received President Macron. President Luong Cuong chaired the welcoming ceremony, talks, press briefing, and state banquet. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also met with Macron.

“President Macron and the First Lady were deeply moved by Vietnam’s thoughtful and detailed hospitality,” said Ambassador Brochet.

Unique to this visit, the two couples visited the Temple of Literature, where they watched Hue royal court music, water puppetry, and a renowned French opera. In this historic setting, General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly introduced Vietnam’s rich culture to the French President and First Lady. They also shared a private lunch - an occasion that further strengthened their personal rapport.

“After that very special meal, I believe the personal bond between President Macron and General Secretary To Lam reached a new level,” the Ambassador said.

Two symbolic events defined the visit: their joint trip to the Ho Chi Minh relic site at the Presidential Palace and the planting of a friendship tree.

During the unscheduled visit, President Macron toured the stilt house where President Ho Chi Minh lived, fed fish in the pond, and listened to General Secretary To Lam share stories about the late leader’s life and revolutionary path.

“This impromptu visit was a meaningful addition to the itinerary. It provided a rare moment of reflection and mutual understanding between two peoples,” the Ambassador noted.

President Macron was deeply impressed by the simplicity of Ho Chi Minh’s lifestyle, especially meaningful as Vietnam marks the 80th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence this year.

“This moment showed that France and Vietnam can look back on history with calm and look forward to partnership and progress,” he said.

The joint statement from the visit underscored mutual friendship, collaboration, and - most importantly - increased trust.

The Ambassador also observed that both President Macron and General Secretary To Lam, along with their spouses, share a strong personal interest in cultural preservation and development. “This common passion brought them closer,” he said.

According to Brochet, culture is a cornerstone of bilateral ties. For centuries, France and Vietnam have experienced deep cultural exchange. French influences remain visible in Vietnam, while Vietnamese and broader Asian cultures have also left their mark on France.

He cited the international acclaim for Indochine-style paintings, first introduced to the world in France. Vietnamese cultural products have gained global exposure through French channels - most recently through a Vietnam pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cultural industries are expected to become a pillar of bilateral cooperation. President Macron was accompanied on this trip by Minister of Culture Rachida Dati.

“It’s no coincidence that leaders exchanged many culture-related gifts,” Brochet noted.

Before departing, President Macron and his wife enjoyed lunch with five Vietnamese artists at a traditional restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Before heading to the airport, Macron visited a local lacquerware artisan family. The 15-minute visit extended over an hour as he became absorbed in each stage of the craft.

Tran Thuong & Pham Hai