On October 7, 2024, Vietnam and France marked a significant milestone by upgrading their diplomatic relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) level during discussions at the Élysée Palace in Paris. This new partnership makes France the first European Union (EU) member to establish such close ties with Vietnam, signifying the country's commitment to enhancing its international relationships. The announcement came during the visit of Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President, Tô Lâm, to France—the first visit by a Vietnamese head of state to the country in 22 years.
Leading the discussions, both President Emmanuel Macron of France and Tô Lâm noted the historical significance of this partnership. It situates France as the eighth country worldwide to engage with Vietnam at this high diplomatic level, following nations like China, Russia, the United States, and Japan. The upgrade reflects Vietnam's strategy of diversifying its foreign relations, which has become evident with several nations recently promoted to similar partnerships.
During the talks, the two leaders focused on strengthening their ties by establishing clear directions and practical measures to modernize initiatives and concord current global expectations for Vietnam-France collaboration. Notably, this partnership positions national defense and security as foundational elements, reflecting increasing global concerns about balancing regional power dynamics.
Lâm acknowledged France's successful hosting of key international events, including the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics and the Francophonie Summit. He also expressed gratitude for France's support following Vietnam's recent tragedy caused by Typhoon Yagi, signaling France's readiness to assist Vietnam with recovery efforts. Both leaders committed to enhancing the exchange of high-level delegations across various sectors, fostering growth and cooperation.
National defense and security cooperation featured prominently on the agenda, with discussions surrounding the commencement of dialogues focused on defense strategy and mutual training of military personnel. France aims to participate actively, sharing expertise and supporting Vietnam's capabilities against contemporary security challenges.
The economic dimension of the partnership was equally emphasized, as both Presidents discussed ways to amplify economic ties, noting the importance of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Lâm urged his French counterpart to expedite ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which aims to shield investments and encourage bilateral economic collaboration. Macron assured Lâm of his commitment to facilitate this process through the French Parliament.
Macron highlighted the importance of Vietnam's participation in green transition initiatives and expressed admiration for its progress under the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Both leaders expressed enthusiasm about the vast potential for cooperation, particularly in sectors like infrastructure development, aerospace, and renewable energy.
Commitments were made to explore new areas of collaboration, including cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and transport infrastructure, each organization aspiring to raise the standard of education and training within these domains. Opportunities for Vietnamese students pursuing education in France were expanded, aiming to create more scholarship pathways, reinforcing not just academic ties but cultural unity.
Leaders from both countries acknowledged the significance of cultivating ecological agriculture and ensuring food security globally, especially concerning the increasingly urgent challenges posed by climate change. Macron praised Vietnam's proactive measures and ability to adapt to environmental challenges, stating it could become a model for other nations facing similar issues.
The partnership also envisions strengthening connections with ASEAN nations and international alliances. Both leaders emphasized enhancing cooperation during multilateral forums like the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability and progression.
On broader security matters, Macron reaffirmed the value Australia places on Vietnam's position advocating for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts, including those occurring within Ukraine and the Middle East. This mutual recognition of diplomatic stances indicates shared goals for fostering peace and stability across contentious regions.
Switching focus to maritime security, the leaders reiterated the necessity for upholding freedom of navigation and resolving disputes peacefully as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Tô Lâm issued an invitation to Macron to visit Vietnam, which the French President accepted with enthusiasm, solidifying the promising future of bilateral relations.
The comprehensive strategic partnership not only highlights strong political and military cooperation but also emphasizes heightened economic interactions. For France, this partnership reinforces its strategy within the Indo-Pacific region, thereby extending France's influence and addressing vulnerabilities associated with Chinese assertiveness. Historically, Vietnam has chosen to diversify its diplomatic relationships, ensuring no single partnership overshadows its broader global engagement philosophy.
Such upgrades signal intent; they represent not merely ambitious diplomatic rhetoric but also the genuine desire to cultivate effective partnerships capable of promoting shared interests on the world stage. This partnership with France, the first of its kind within the EU, cements Vietnam's growing prominence as it navigates its path as an autonomous international player determined to maintain beneficial relationships with all major powers.
This partnership emerges during a volatile period for international relations, with many nations recalibring their strategies amid rising tensions and competition for influence. By establishing the CSP, both Vietnam and France have positioned themselves to draw upon shared historical ties and mutual respect, promoting collaborative efforts to address pressing global issues such as climate change, peace, and stability.
Vietnam's rapid economic growth and increasing integration with global markets create fertile ground for the CSP to not only flourish but also evolve across multifaceted sectors. With both nations sharing visions for the future, the partnership appears poised to set significant precedents for international agreements among regional actors.
The future endeavors under this comprehensive strategic partnership would likely be reciprocated by significant developments across sectors, offering mutual rewards and substantial geopolitical advantages as both nations navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
