At a reception for outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet, Mr. To Lam called on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, and proactively expand cooperation into new areas aligned with each country's development needs.
The Vietnamese top leader said priority should be given to science and technology, innovation, defence and security, business and local-government links, education and training, French-language education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Mr. Lam also urged France to encourage its businesses to increase investment and expand operations in Vietnam, and to promote the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, or EVIPA, to facilitate bilateral investment cooperation.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet said France wishes to accompany Vietnam in its new era. He expressed his delight at having contributed to the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, and pledged to continue supporting stronger Vietnam-France cooperation in his new position.
