French President Hollande arrives in Hanoi.

French President Francois Hollande arrived in Hanoi today, beginning a two-day state visit to Vietnam.

French President Francois Hollande disembarks from his plane. Photo: Giang Huy

President Francois Hollande's plane landed at Noi Bai Airport early this morning, marking the first visit to Vietnam by a French president in 12 years.since President Jacques Chirac's visit in 2004.

The official welcoming ceremony for the French President took place this morning at the Presidential Palace, after which he held a meeting.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that talks were held with President Tran Dai Quang.

The two leaders will sign documents and hold a joint press conference. Following this, Mr. Hollande will meet with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and speak to students at the National University.Regarding the shared future of Vietnam and France, new directions in cooperative relations between the two countries.After attending the reception, the French President will take a walk through the old town, interact with Vietnamese alumni in France, pay a courtesy call on General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and meet with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

At noon on September 7th, Mr. Hollande will meet with the Party Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City, Dinh La Thang, before leaving Vietnam for Laos to attend a conference with ASEAN and its partners.

Hollande's visit comes as the two countries aim to strengthen their strategic partnership, which was signed in 2013.

President Hollande's private jet is parked at Noi Bai Airport. Photo: Giang Huy

More than 20 documents are expected to be signed during President Hollande's visit. Of particular note is the service agreement between Airparif, the Ile de France Air Quality Monitoring Association, and the Hanoi People's Committee. The goal of the agreement is to establish an air quality monitoring system in Hanoi and propose public policies to improve air quality. After setting up a demo station, France will assist Hanoi in understanding the causes of air pollution and advise on solutions.

The agreement by the French Development Agency (AFD) on climate change response in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Ninh Binh, and Can Tho will also be considered, relating to a €52.5 million loan and a €1 million grant to finance measures against sea level rise. AFD's contribution to the climate change response budget support program will reach €100 million this year and €50 million in 2017-2018.

According to VNE