(VOVworld) – Vietnam and France need to do more to develop their ties, especially in economics, trade and investment, to meet both countries’ current developmental requirements. This was agreed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Senate Speaker Gerard Larcher, and Speaker of the Lower House Claude Bartelone of France during their separate meetings in Paris on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the 21^st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21). They praised the growing Vietnam-France relations and cooperation between the two law-making bodies. PM Nguyen Tan Dung asked the French Senate and Lower House to continue facilitating businesspeople connectivity and the French government’s cooperation and support for Vietnam to achieve its sustainable development goals. He also suggested the Senate and the Lower House complete their ratification of the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and support the early signing and prompt implementation of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (R) and French Senate Speaker Gerard Larcher (Source: VNA)

The Speakers pledged support for the multi-dimensional ties between Vietnam and the EU as well as the quick ratification of the PCA. They said they will rally the French Government to support the EVFTA as part of efforts to broaden cooperation and deepen the Vietnam-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.

They discussed the situation in the East Sea and development that has threatened navigation and aviation security and freedom in the waters of the principal maritime route linking Asia and Europe.

The Speakers stressed that maritime security and safety are always one of France’s high priorities, agreeing that the disputes should be addressed peacefully through negotiations that respect international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited UNESCO headquarters in Paris and met with UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. Ms. Bokova said Vietnam plays an important role in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between UNESCO members. She said Vietnam has contributed effectively to preserving, and promoting the cultural values of humanity and implementing the Millennium Development Goals, especially in education, sustainable development, resource protection, and climate change adaptation.  She praised Vietnam as one of the 10 countries successfully piloting the “One UN House” initiative, backed Vietnam’s sending officials to work at UNESCO offices, and hoped for Vietnam’s support of UNESCO’s efforts to enhance cooperation with ASEAN. PM Nguyen Tan Dung said that Vietnam will join other countries in supporting important UNESCO decisions, and will be an active and responsible member of the international community.