Macron’s Visit to Vietnam: A Call for Stronger Franco-Vietnamese Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Hanoi, Vietnam, calling for stronger cooperation in today’s uncertain world. His trip is part of a larger Southeast Asia tour aimed at building regional connections.

During his visit, Macron highlighted the importance of “an order based on law.” He pointed out that the global situation is marked by tensions and power struggles. Next, he’s set to continue his journey to Indonesia and Singapore.

One key issue Macron addressed is the ongoing trade tensions. Currently, the U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on European goods, and Vietnamese imports are facing steep costs too. In April, tariffs on Vietnamese products reached 46%, one of the highest rates any country faces.

Macron’s visit also involved signing multiple deals focused on defense, trade, and energy. Notably, he partnered with Vietnamese budget airline VietJet and Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-900 aircraft.

In a meaningful gesture, Macron visited a war memorial in Hanoi, honoring those who resisted French colonial rule. He met with Vietnamese leaders, emphasizing the bilateral relationship. Additionally, he explored the historical Temple of Literature, enriching the cultural ties between the two nations.

Macron envisions a “sovereignty partnership” with Vietnam at the heart of France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with France’s recent actions, such as deploying a carrier group in the South China Sea to support international maritime law.

Vietnam and China have longstanding maritime agreements, especially regarding the Gulf of Tonkin, yet they frequently clash over territories like the Spratly and Paracel Islands. To help Vietnam, Macron promised support in vital sectors, including renewable energy, nuclear power, and high-speed rail. His goal is to assist Vietnam in moving away from coal dependency toward a cleaner energy future.

This visit marks Macron’s first trip to Vietnam since he took office in 2017. France and Vietnam share a unique strategic partnership, one of the highest forms of diplomatic recognition Vietnam offers, alongside partners like Russia, China, and the United States.

Recent surveys indicate that many Vietnamese view this partnership as crucial for economic stability, with 70% expressing optimism about increased cooperation with France. As global geopolitics continue to shift, the ties between these two nations remain more important than ever.



Source link

International agreements, Government policy, Energy industry, Business, World news, General news, Article, 122191313