Paris (VNA) – Vietnam always attaches much importance to therelations with France, its leading partner in Europe and the world, accordingto Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam(CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong.

During meetings with leaders of French Senate and National Assembly, Ministerof State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and leadersof several parties in France while leading a high-ranking delegation from theCPV to visit France from October 25-29, Vuong also stressed that France hasbeen a priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy, expressing his hope that bothsides will continue their dialogue mechanisms as well as carry out the signedagreements in an effective manner.

He took the occasion to thank France for supporting Vietnam’s bid for anon-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the2020-2021 tenure, and contributing to the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Promotion Agreement (EVIPA).

Vuong recommended both countries boost cooperation in the framework of ASEANand UN mechanisms, and asked France, with its increasing role in the Europe, tofurther its work so that the European Parliament will ratify the EVFTA andEVIPA soon.

He and French officials also discussed measures to maintain regional and globalpeace and stability.

A representative from the French Parliament hailed the visit and pledged todeepen the Vietnam – France strategic partnership in various sectors, adding Vietnamhas played an important role in France’s strategy to promote its ties withASEAN and Asia.

The French side suggested enhancing coordination to implement key projectsbetween the two countries, wishing to boost economic and trade collaborationwith the Southeast Asian nation.

The official affirmed to work to urge the European Parliament and the FrenchNational Assembly to approve the EVFTA and EVIPA, and voiced support to solvingall disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means based on respect ofinternational regulations, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea1982 (UNCLOS 1982).

Working with the French Communist Party and French Social Party, Vuongreiterated CPV’s traditional friendship with the two parties, and discussedmeasures to develop the cooperative ties into a more effective and practicalfashion in the coming time.

Highlighting the CPV’s policy to enhance ties with ruling parties which haveimportant roles in foreign countries, Vuong said the CPV and the French partiesshould enhance exchanges to better mutual understanding and outline specificmeasures to boost cooperation.

Leaders of the French parties hailed Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, andexpressed their interest in ensuring peace, security and aviation andnavigation safety in the region.

Vuong also had a meeting with the Vietnamese intellectuals in the host country,during which he laid a stress on the Party and State’s policies to branch outscience-technology, and encouraged the Vietnamese scientists and intellectualsto make further contributions to realising the Politburo’s ResolutionNo.52-NQ/TW on promoting active participation in the Fourth IndustrialRevolution.

During their stay, the Party delegation visited a shipbuilding workshop ofAlstom Group, and met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in France./.