Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and his French counterpart Francois Hollande agreed oꦿn various measures to boost the countries’ relations during their talks in Hanoi on September 6 morning as part of the French President’s State visit to Vietnam.

At the talks, the leaders shared the view that bilateral ties have been thriving across the board, stating the resolve to bolster the countries’ strategic partnership with a long-term cooperation vision so as to meet their common interests and concerns. They agreed to enhance all-level visits, especially at high levels, and bring into play coordination mechanisms in politics, economics, defence, science-technology, culture, and education-training. They emphasised that economic partnership remains a priority in bilateral ties, and the countries need to promote cooperation in key projects in infrastructure, energy, aviation, health care-pharmaceuticals, the environment, agriculture and food processing. President Hollande affirmed France’s commitment to continue ODA provision for Vietnam. The countries will continue creating a favourable environment for their enterprises to cooperate, invest and do business. Vietnam invited France to be the honorary guest at the 2017 Vietnam International Food Industry Exhibition (Vietnam Foodexpo). The Presidents agreed to foster science-technology linkages, particularly in renewable energy and satellite application, while boosting cultural, tourism and educational ties. They will provide optimal conditions for Vietnamese students to study in France and help the Hanoi University of Science and Technology to reach international standards. Vietnam and France will reinforce defence cooperation, especially through military equipment procurement and mutual visits by naval ships. France will help Vietnam in the UN peace-keeping operations and work with Vietnam to address traditional and non-traditional security issues. They also agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums like the UN, ASEAN-EU, Asia-Europe Meeting and the Francophone community. They will continue mutual support to promote France’s relations with Asian-Pacific countries and Vietnam’s cooperation with the EU. Vietnam highly values France’s role in the fight against climate change, particularly after the success of the 21 st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) held in Paris last year. Both sides will tighten connections in coping with global challenges, including climate change. At the talks, the Presidents clarified the importance of maintaining peace and stability and promoting regional and international cooperation. They reiterated the commitment to ensuring free navigation and aviation, stressing the peaceful settlement of East Sea disputes through diplomatic and legal processes, and with respect to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Regarding The Hague tribunal’s ruling on July 12, 2016, both sides affirmed the law-abiding principle at seas and oceans. They underlined the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), while supporting efforts to reach a Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters. At the end of the talks, Presidents Tran Dai Quang and Francois Hollande witnessed the signing and exchange of many documents and cooperation agreements between the two governments, their ministries, agencies and businesses. At noon the same day, the Vietnamese leader hosted a banquet in honour of the French President.-VNA