(VOVworld) – Vietnam and France will encourage businesses to establish economic and industrial partnerships on the basis of technology transfers and the mutual benefits. The remarks were made by President Tran Dai Quang in a joint press conference with French President Francois Hollande following their talks in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and French President Francois Hollande host a joint press conference. (Photo: VOV)

President Quang added that the two countries would accelerate strategic defence talks and cooperate to address marine and aviation security issues. The two countries will continue to support each other to promote France’s relations with the Asian-Pacific nations and to foster Vietnam’s cooperation with the European Union. President Quang said: “The President and I have confirmed our respect for the rule of law principle on seas and oceans and committed to maintaining free navigation and aviation. We have stressed on the importance of resolving disputes by peaceful measures, without using force or threatening to use force, and on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We also acknowledge the importance of the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to reach a code of conduct (COC) in the waters, following an East Sea-related ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in July.”

President Hollande said bilateral cooperation had been fruitful since the two countries established their strategic partnership in 2013. He said: “I hope that my visit to Vietnam will boost the bilateral strategic partnership and expand the presence of each country’s businesses in the other’s markets. Other key areas of our bilateral cooperation are culture and scientific research”.

Also on Tuesday, President Quang hosted a banquet for Mister Hollande.