Vietnam and France issue joint statement addressing the South China Sea issue.

During the visit of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the high-level Vietnamese delegation to the Republic of France, the two sides issued a joint statement. Below is the full text of the joint statement:

1. At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of France, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong paid an official visit to the Republic of France from March 25-27, 2018. High-level exchanges addressed major international and regional issues, as well as progress in bilateral relations, marked by 2018 commemorating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of the strategic partnership.

2. Both sides reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security, as well as promoting prosperity and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their respect for the UN Charter and their commitment to respecting each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions. Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts to promote the development of a multipolar world and multilateralism based on mutual respect, equality, fairness, and cooperation in a spirit of mutual benefit. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and in line with the international commitments to which both sides are signatories, for the development of each country. Vietnam and France reiterated their respect for the goals and principles pursued by UN bodies, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

3. Both sides emphasized their commitment to facilitating trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; and valued the role of the World Trade Organization. Both sides expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation to improve global governance mechanisms and promote sustainable growth.

4. Both sides reaffirmed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, is one of the most serious challenges to peace and security, and that all acts of terrorism are crimes and unjustifiable. Both sides expressed support for the international community's efforts to combat terrorism.

5. Both sides emphasized the fundamental importance of the relationship between ASEAN and the European Union (EU) and welcomed the outcomes of the ASEAN-EU 40th Anniversary Summit. They supported efforts toward upgrading ASEAN-EU relations to a strategic partnership and encouraged the EU's increasingly active participation in strategic structures led by ASEAN. Both sides expressed their desire to sign and ratify the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union in 2018 and to implement it quickly and effectively. Both sides believed that this Agreement, together with the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), would create new prospects for deepening existing dialogue mechanisms. Both sides stressed that the Free Trade Agreement would serve as a driving force in deepening relations between France and the European Union with ASEAN countries. Both sides agreed to strengthen the Vietnam-EU partnership on political and security issues, including in the field of maritime security.

6. Vietnam and France wish to strengthen cooperation and dialogue to actively contribute to promoting connectivity in Southeast Asia, facilitating exchanges between Europe and Asia, and fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Both sides welcome connectivity within the Asia-Europe Cooperation Forum (ASEM), while emphasizing the importance of continuing economic projects based on the principles of fair competition, transparency, economic, financial, environmental, and social sustainability, and mutual benefit, taking into account the principles, goals, and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

7. Both sides welcomed ASEAN's role in promoting peaceful international maritime cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of fully respecting the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and resolving disputes peacefully, without the use of force or the threat of force. Both sides affirmed the importance of maintaining security and freedom of navigation and overflight in all seas and oceans, respecting the principles of international law. Both sides also affirmed their support for ASEAN and China's efforts to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to reach an early and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) consistent with international law.

8. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. They noted recent progress contributing to the reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides called for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and reiterated their support for a diplomatic process aimed at promoting complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Vietnam and France will continue their efforts to protect the international non-proliferation principle based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

9. Both sides welcomed the exemplary development of bilateral relations over the past 45 years and emphasized their desire to further develop and deepen all areas of the strategic partnership signed in 2013 between Vietnam and France. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to strengthen cooperation in all fields: politics, diplomacy, defense, security, economics, trade, investment, climate change response, sustainable development, science and technology, education and training, French language, law and justice, health, local cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, culture, and tourism.

10. The two leaders agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges and contacts. Both sides welcomed the General Secretary's visit to France and the subsequent high-level bilateral meetings and exchanges in 2018. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the annual high-level economic dialogue and the defense policy dialogue held in Vietnam in January 2018. Both sides agreed to maintain regular bilateral mechanisms and expand consultation mechanisms, including the Deputy Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue between the two countries' Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense. Both sides welcomed enhanced cooperation between the parliamentary bodies of the two countries.

11. Both sides affirmed their desire to deepen defense cooperation within the strategic partnership. In this spirit, they agreed to strengthen strategic dialogue and defense cooperation, continue cooperation in officer training, especially in French language studies, basic and advanced training, and peacekeeping operations. Both sides committed to strengthening cooperation in defense equipment based on each side's needs and capabilities, and reaffirmed their desire to promote exchanges on maritime and aviation security, as well as military medicine. Both sides welcomed the courtesy visits or technical stops of French military vessels in Vietnam, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Vision Statement on defense cooperation for the period 2018-2020, and the extension of the Agreement in the field of hydrography, oceanography, and nautical mapping.

12. Both sides committed to promoting the effective implementation of bilateral agreements on extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters when these agreements enter into force. Both sides welcomed cooperation programs to address the challenge of organized crime in the rapidly evolving regional and international security environment.

13. Both sides expressed their determination to strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation and continue efforts to promote the entry of businesses from both countries into each other's markets. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen long-term economic and industrial partnerships, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, transportation, energy, and space. Both sides especially welcomed the exemplary cooperation in the aviation sector, demonstrated by the signing of new contracts between Tre Viet Airlines and Airbus, between Vietnam National Airlines and Air France, as well as the joint venture contract between Vietnam National Airlines and Air France. Both sides agreed to support appropriate solutions to expedite the completion of the pilot urban railway project in Hanoi, specifically the Nhon - Hanoi Station section.

14. Both sides wish to promote cooperation in the fields of agriculture and fisheries, respecting international standards recognized by Vietnam and France, especially in: disaster prevention and mitigation of the impacts of climate change, along with the development of an adaptive agriculture based on agroecology and bio-agriculture; strengthening cooperation in applied research and development of agriculture, especially bio-agriculture and the transfer of inventions; promoting sustainable and responsible fishing, especially in conjunction with the development of infrastructure in the fishing sector, training in monitoring production processes and traceability of aquatic products; plant and animal genetics, especially pigs and dairy cattle; and developing agricultural product distribution channels through the development of a wholesale market system. Both sides emphasized the importance of the projects being carried out in Vietnam by the French Center for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development.

15. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation on the environment and climate change response. Vietnam welcomed the “One Planet” Summit held in Paris in December 2017, in which Vietnam participated. France welcomed Vietnam’s plan to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change for the period 2016-2030. Both sides agreed that the Talanoa Dialogue is a suitable mechanism to assess and strengthen climate targets to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Both sides agreed to support negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IOM) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to limit greenhouse gas emissions from civil aviation and maritime transport. Vietnam and France wish to continue constructive dialogue in the development of a global environmental treaty. Vietnam and France reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable growth and continuing cooperation to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

16. Both sides acknowledge the key role of cities and territories in responding to climate change and commit to strengthening the exchange of experts at both central and local levels to promote the rational use of resources and energy and to provide adequate and sustainable urban services for people, especially in the areas of transport, housing, water and sanitation.

17. Through the activities of the French Development Agency (AFD), France is committed to continuing its support for Vietnam in achieving low-carbon and sustainable growth. Both sides welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and AFD to strengthen cooperation on green growth and response to natural disasters and climate change, particularly through the development of the Gemmes Vietnam program and the preparation of a draft law on climate change.

18. Both sides welcomed the long-term partnership between AFD and Vietnamese authorities in the field of development cooperation; and encouraged continued efforts to facilitate new programs and projects in line with Vietnam's priorities. In this spirit, both sides welcomed priority projects to combat coastal erosion and develop infrastructure for the four coastal provinces in the North Central region. Both sides agreed to effectively implement the projects by accelerating the disbursement of French development assistance and improving project management capacity. Both sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment and AFD to strengthen cooperation based on a new vision of the long-term strategic partnership.

19. Both sides emphasized the importance of research in the field of development cooperation and welcomed the role of the French Institute for Development Research (IRD) in this area. Both sides welcomed the signing of the Cooperation Agreement on Science and Technology between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the IRD.

20. Both sides emphasized the priority of cooperation in science and technology and agreed to regularly exchange national policies of the two countries in the fields of science and technology, research and innovation. Based on the Memorandum of Intent signed on September 5, 2016, between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France, both sides reaffirmed their desire to build a new cooperation framework in the field of science and technology in line with mutual interests. Both sides welcomed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the National Institute of Industrial Property of France.

21. Both sides affirmed their desire to promote the use of the French language in Vietnam and within the overall Francophone space, especially through the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF) and Francophone institutions, particularly the Francophone University Agency. Promoting the teaching of French and in French in Vietnam, especially in bilingual classes, as well as the teaching of Vietnamese in France, will create many favorable conditions, including opportunities for students to study in both countries; promote cooperation in all fields, including culture and economics; and contribute to strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Both sides welcomed the signing of a cooperation agreement on the French language and Francophone affairs.

22. Vietnam and France reaffirmed the fundamental nature and priority of youth exchanges between the two countries for the future development of bilateral relations. In this spirit, both sides committed to continuing to create favorable conditions for students to study in each other's countries. Both sides welcomed the upcoming opening of the new Alexandre Yersin School campus in Hanoi. The French side thanked Vietnam for its continued support for this iconic project prioritizing youth, as well as for the expansion project of the Marguerite Duras School in Ho Chi Minh City.

23. Both sides emphasized the exemplary nature of cooperation in the field of university teaching and research. They supported the project to develop the Franco-Vietnamese Center for Training and Management (CFVG) into a European University of Management and welcomed negotiations to renew the intergovernmental agreement on the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Both sides welcomed enhanced cooperation in vocational training, along with the modernization of high-quality training centers in Vietnam and the project to develop the University of Transport Technology (UTT), particularly the establishment of an Institute of University Technology (IUT).

24. Both sides welcomed cooperation in the field of law and justice and committed to making efforts to implement the cooperation program for the period 2018-2019 between the two Ministries of Justice. Both sides welcomed the signing of cooperation programs between the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam and the Supreme Council of Notaries of France, as well as the National Council of Bailiffs of France.

25. Both sides welcomed the excellent cooperation in the fields of health and pharmaceutical research and welcomed the Agreement on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis between the Ministry of Health of Vietnam and the French National Agency for HIV and Hepatitis Virus Research (ANRS), signed on January 18, 2018 in Hanoi. Both sides committed to continuing exchanges in the field of medical training and promoting investment cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. Both sides welcomed the opening of the French Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, which brings together all French-Vietnamese cooperation elements in the health sector, including the International Medical Clinic. Both sides affirmed their desire to strengthen the partnership and renew the health cooperation agreement between the two Ministries of Health.

26. The two leaders considered cooperation between localities as a pillar of bilateral cooperation, contributing to strengthening the ties and solidarity between the two countries and their peoples. Following the success of the 10th Conference on Cooperation between Localities held in Can Tho in September 2016, both sides welcomed the organization of the 11th Conference in Toulouse in 2019 to set out major directions for strengthening cooperation between localities on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

27. Both sides consider cultural exchange a key area in Franco-Vietnamese cooperation, contributing to increased mutual understanding and strengthening solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. Both sides welcomed the renovation of the Vietnamese Cultural Center in Paris after 10 years of operation, as well as the establishment of the French House in Ho Chi Minh City, and affirmed their support for initiatives promoting Vietnamese culture in France. Both sides emphasized the importance of the activities of the French School of Far Eastern Studies (EFEO), which benefit bilateral cultural relations.

28. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to increase the number of tourists between the two countries. Both sides welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on tourism cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. France affirmed its support for the "Vietnamese House" project of the Vietnamese Tourism Ambassador in France.

29. Both sides believe the visit will mark a new phase in strengthening the Vietnam-France strategic partnership. The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam invited the President of the Republic of France to visit Vietnam. President Macron accepted the invitation.

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