Vietnam wants to further enhance the traditional, trusted and strategic partnership with France – a leading partner of Vietnam in Europe, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during his online talks with French PM Jean Castex on Monday. PM Chinh called on the French government to further support the Vietnamese community in the country, particularly in the face of COVID-19.

PM Castex praised Vietnam’s position and role in the region and the world as well, particularly achievements the country has recorded in COVID-19 containment and socio-economic development.

He spoke highly of the strategic partnership, saying Vietnam is also a leading partner of France in the region.

The PMs agreed to share experience in the pandemic combat, help each other with COVID-19 vaccines and coordinate in economic recovery after the pandemic.

They will also work together to optimise the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and speed up the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The leaders agreed to facilitate the export of Vietnamese agricultural and fishery products to France, especially fruits that are under harvest like lychee, mango, dragon fruit and passion fruit.

Joint efforts should be made to urge the EC to remove its “yellow card” on Vietnam’s fisheries, helping the country’s fishery sector develop sustainably, they said.

They shared the view on the significance of ensuring the freedom of navigation, aviation, security and peace in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), as well as the role of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Source: VOV5