Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his French counterpart Jean Castex discussed a wide range of issues in the bilateral relations and international and regional affairs of common interest.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the phone talk with his French counterpart Jean Castex. Photo: MoFA

In the phone talk held on June 14, the two leaders focused on promising fields like aerospace, energy, defense and security, infrastructure, sustainable growth, and cultural projects.

Regarding economic ties, the two prime ministers agreed to make more joint efforts in implementing the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

They will focus on facilitating the export of Vietnamese aquatic products and farm produce to the French market and urge the European Commission (EC) to withdraw the “yellow card” imposed on Vietnam’s seafood and fishing status.

The issues of the regional and international arena were also included in the phone talks with both sides affirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, security, and peace in the South China Sea (called East Sea by Vietnam). They also insisted on the role of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which serves as the legal framework for all maritime and oceanic activities.

The two leaders also shared with each other their anti-pandemic experiences and discussed vaccine supply and cooperation to stimulate the post-pandemic economy.

The French Prime Minister pledged to help Vietnam secure much needed Covid-19 vaccine.

On June 8, Vietnamese Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long met with French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery to seek France’s support in Covid-19 vaccine supply.

Nicolas Warnery said the long-lasting cooperation in the healthcare sector between France and Vietnam through bilateral and multilateral programs has prompted further support to Hanoi, including the possibility of Covid-19 vaccine tech transfer.

In mid-May, Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a phone talk with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for tightened bilateral ties, including Covid-19 vaccine support.

Of the telephone conversations, the two sides affirmed that France is among Vietnam’s leading partners in Europe while Vietnam is one of France’s most important partners in the region.

The two countries agreed to proceed with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th year of their strategic partnership in 2023.