(VOVWORLD) - April 12th marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France. For five decades, despite historical upheavals, the friendly relationship and cooperation between Vietnam and France has been strengthened in all fields. The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2013. The 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations is an opportunity for the two sides to review the past journey and map out a path to deepen the partnership.
 (Illustrative photo: baoquocte.vn) |
Vietnam and France established diplomatic relations on April 12th, 1973. After Vietnam joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995, the relationship expanded beyond the bilateral framework to be part of the EU-Vietnam relationship and France's Southeast Asia policy. The two countries share views on many international issues, especially those related to sustainable development, cultural diversity, and globalization.
Highlights of the bilateral relationship
Vietnam and France experienced a period with many twists and turns, but then set aside the past and worked for shared similarities and interests.
The signing of a strategic partnership in 2013 marked a new period in their relationship. The good political relations have included reciprocal visits and phone calls by high-ranking leaders.
The two countries have maintained regular exchanges at all levels on politics, economy, and national defense, including the Dialogue on Defense and Security Strategy between the two Foreign Ministries and Defense Ministries, the annual high-level Economic Dialogue co-chaired by the Minister of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and the Minister of Foreign Trade of France, and the Deputy-Ministerial Defense Strategy Dialogue.
The Strategic Partnership Framework has seen practical results in trade, investment, and development cooperation, education and training, and cooperation between localities.
The average growth rate of trade between Vietnam and France in the 2011-2019 period was 15.7%. Last year, bilateral trade turnover totaled 5.3 billion euros, an increase of 10% from the previous year. France is currently Vietnam’s 4th largest export market in the EU.
In 2022, France was the 2nd largest foreign direct investment (FDI) partner of Vietnam in the EU and ranked 16th out of 141 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. France is also the leading European donor to Vietnam, and Vietnam ranks 2nd among the recipients of French non-refundable aid for Asia.
The French government reserves 5 million euros per year for cultural cooperation with Vietnam, such as the activities of L’Espace, the French Cultural Center in Hanoi, and the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang. The two countries closely cooperate in the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF).
 An exchange program to celebrate International Francophonie Day (photo: Institute of Cultural Exchange with France in Hue) |
Deepening the strategic partnership
The firm foundation of political and diplomatic relations together with the strong development of economic cooperation will create momentum for the future Vietnam-France partnership in other sectors, such as energy, health care, transportation, environment, and human resources.
The achieved results and the common understanding between the two countries on their future relationship is a strong foundation for their future partnership. France is a key European nation which is promoting its global role and its interests and influence in Asia. Vietnam is a fast-growing, dynamic economy that plays an important role in ASEAN and East Asia. Vietnam and France share similar interests and views on many international issues.
In the global arena, Vietnam and France share a vision of a multipolar world and multilateralism based on mutual respect, equality, fairness, and cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit and joint efforts to strive for inclusive peace and sustainable development.