The renovation and reparation of the Long Bien bridge, seen as a symbol of the Vietnam-France friendship, would be a priority in cooperation between the authorities of both sides in the coming time.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan and France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht. Photos: Tu Anh/The Hanoi Times

The view was shared during a meeting today [March 1] between Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan and France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht, who is currently on a visit to Vietnam.

During the meeting, Minister Olivier Becht expressed his pleasure in the strong and continuously growing traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations in various fields. With 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, the Minister hopes to strengthen and enhance cooperation with Hanoi.

In particular, Becht expressed his desire for both sides to collaborate on preserving and restoring the Long Bien Bridge, a significant structure symbolizing the friendship between the two countries. Additionally, he suggested establishing a joint working group to develop suitable solutions based on the research findings funded by the French Government.

Delegates at the meeting.

Additionally, Becht wanted to expedite joint projects and investment cooperation between France and Hanoi.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan agreed with the proposals made by Minister Olivier Becht. He stated that the Ministry of Transport is transferring documents related to planning railway routes in Hanoi to the local authority.

Once the handover is complete, the city will collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to conduct further research on the Ngoc Hoi - Yen Vien urban railway section, which includes the Long Bien Bridge, to determine the most optimal improvement plan.

Tuan also informed that the 12th conference on cooperation between localities of Vietnam and France would be held from April 13 to 15, marking the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"This event provides an excellent opportunity for localities from both countries to meet and discuss mutual interests, as well as explore cooperation opportunities in various fields," he said. Tuan hoped that French businesses would actively participate in the conference with the support of Minister Becht.

The Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee expressed the desire that the partnership between Hanoi and French localities will continue to be fortified, serving as a solid foundation for advancing the French-Vietnamese relationship.