(Source: VNA)

Mr. Lam’s visits were the first by a Vietnamese leader to Mongolia in 16 years, to Ireland in nearly 30 years, and to France in 22 years. This was the first time a Party General Secretary and President of Vietnam had attended a Francophonie Summit.

The trip marked many historical milestones in Vietnam’s relations with the three countries, with joint statements on the establishment of the Vietnam-Mongolia comprehensive partnership and the Vietnam-Ireland strategic partnership in higher education, and the upgrading of Vietnam-France ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Notably, the top Vietnamese leader announced the establishment of the Vietnamese Embassy in Ireland after 30 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

At the 19th Francophonie Summit in Paris, Mr. Lam delivered an important speech sending out the message of strong support for multilateralism and emphasising the role of multilateral institutions, including the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), in promoting cooperation, responding to common challenges, as well as taking advantage of opportunities from the development of science and technology.

Many heads of states and governments from French-speaking countries showed their wish to cooperate with Vietnam and learn its experience in socio-economic development; promoting collaboration in politics-diplomacy, economy, trade, education-training, culture and people-to-people exchange; and strengthening coordination in regional and global issues of common concern, Minister Son said.

These outstanding achievements once again affirmed the soundness of Vietnam's foreign policy, according to the Foreign Minister.