Minh Chinh praised the decision of the two nations to “forget the past, overcome differences, promote similarities, look to the future” and stressed that, being a victim of numerous wars, Vietnam appreciates the value of peace, cooperation and the development.
In that sense, he highly valued Lecornu’s presence here, which contributes – he said – to strengthening the strategic partnership between both nations, especially in matters of defense.
France was the first Western country to establish relations with Vietnam in that field (1991), he recalled.
The Vietnamese premier proposed deepening cooperation between ministries, branches and localities of the two countries, the exchange of delegations at all levels and people-to-people contacts, as well as making preparations for an upcoming visit by President Emmanuel Macron.
Lecornu recognized the importance of sharing historical memories and appreciated Vietnam’s willingness to help repatriate the remains of French soldiers during the war in the Indochinese nation.
He also expressed his hope for cooperation in the field of defense, which he considered a key factor for the bilateral strategic partnership.
A note from the VNA news agency reported that the interlocutors, on the other hand, exchanged on regional and international issues of common interest.
Vietnam is currently celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, fought against French colonialism from the end of 1953 to May 7, 1954.
The triumph of the Vietnamese patriots under the command of legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap forced France to sign the Geneva Agreement of 1954 and withdraw from the Indochina Peninsula.
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