National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and President of the Senate of France Gerand Larcher (Source: VNA)

During a meeting with President of the Senate of France Gerand Larcher in Paris on April 2, NA Chairwoman Ngan said Vietnam wants France to raise its position among countries and territories investing in the country, she said. 

Ngan said she hoped that with its position and role in Europe, France and its Senate will support the strengthening of ties between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), including the signing and ratification of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). 
Larcher lauded Vietnam’s geopolitical importance and recalling Vietnam’s successful hosting of the second DPRK-USA summit saying Vietnam plays a significant role in coordinating political activities in the region. 

With regards to the EVFTA, he affirmed the Senate’s support for Vietnam. He stressed that France has taken the lead in realising the EU’s policy of multilateralisation and diversification of diplomatic ties and trade. The host also pledged to do his best to push forward the EFFTA signing and approval. 

On the East Sea issue, Ngan hailed France’s stance on the maintenance of maritime freedom and order in line with international law. She urged France to raise its voice on the issue at multilateral forums and bilateral talks with partners in Asia-Pacific. 

Larcher said the freedom of travelling at sea is important and France is concerned about the issue. 

He added that peaceful methods are the choice for addressing disputes and conflicts, which is also what countries are looking toward.