Meeting Highlights
Vietnam’s top leader, General Secretary and President To Lam, held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on 10 September 2024. The encounter, the third between the two heads of state in three years, underscored the rapid dynamism of the Vietnam‑France relationship, which was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership two years ago.
Strategic Agreements
Both leaders welcomed a series of newly signed agreements between ministries, state agencies and private firms, describing them as the “vital pulse” of the partnership. Macron reiterated France’s ambition to become Vietnam’s leading partner in the following sectors:
- energy
- transport infrastructure
- urban development
- artificial intelligence
- innovation
While To Lam highlighted Vietnam’s selection of France as the first EU country to establish a formal framework for cooperation, a move he said reflects deep political trust.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The two sides agreed to maintain regular high‑level contacts and to activate existing mechanisms, adding new sector‑specific collaborations. In defence and security, they pledged expanded cooperation in the following areas:
- military medical training
- joint crime‑fighting
- information sharing on organised and trans‑national crime
- French support for locating missing Vietnamese soldiers
- exchanging war relics
Economic Cooperation
Economically, the leaders focused on strategic, long‑term projects that link French technology with Vietnamese manufacturing to serve regional and global markets, targeting the following sectors:
- aerospace
- space
- essential minerals
- high‑value industrial and agro‑food chains
Science and Technology
Science and technology were earmarked as a new pillar of the partnership, with joint research in the following areas:
- space security
- satellite applications
- youth engagement in scientific exploration
Space Summit
To Lam also praised the successful Space Summit held in Paris, noting its contribution to Vietnam’s aspirations in space security, economic development and youth participation in scientific research.
Both officials expressed confidence that the deepening ties will bolster each country’s strategic autonomy and drive shared prosperity in the new development era.