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 steps down from the plane. Photo: Giang Huy

Mr. 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 visited in 2004.

The official welcoming ceremony for the French President took place this morning at the Presidential Palace, after which he had a meeting.talks with President Tran Dai Quang, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The two leaders will sign documents and hold a joint press conference. Mr. Hollande will then meet with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and talk to students at the National University.on the common future of Vietnam and France, new orientation in the cooperative relationship between the two countriesAfter attending the reception, the French President will take a walk around the old town, meet with former Vietnamese students in France, pay a courtesy call to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and meet with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

At noon on September 7, Mr. Hollande will meet with City Party Secretary Dinh La Thang, then leave Vietnam for Laos to attend a conference with ASEAN and partners.

Mr. Hollande's visit takes place in the context of the two countries aiming to strengthen the Strategic Partnership signed in 2013.

Mr. Hollande's plane parked at Noi Bai airport. Photo: Giang Huy

More than 20 documents are expected to be signed during Mr. Hollande's visit. Notably, a service contract between Airparif, the Ile de France Air Quality Control Association, and the Hanoi People's Committee is expected to be signed. The agreement aims 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 help Hanoi find out the causes of air pollution and advise on solutions.

The agreement of the French Development Agency (AFD) on climate change response in Ha Tinh, Ninh Binh and Can Tho provinces will also be considered, involving a loan of 52.5 million euros and a non-refundable aid of 1 million euros to finance the fight against rising sea levels. AFD's contribution to the climate change response budget support program will amount to 100 million euros this year and 50 million euros in 2017-2018.

According to VNE