Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Finance and Budget Phung Quoc Hien has called on the Vietnam-France and France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Groups to increase their exchanges of delegations and legislative experience, thus significantly contributing to enhancing legislative ties between the two countries.

President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Catherine Deroche (6th R) is welcomed in Hanoi (Photo: daibieunhandan.vn)

At a reception for Catherine Deroche, visiting President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group in Hanoi on February 23, Hien, who is also President of the Vietnam-France Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, noted with joy the fruitful development of the two countries’ relations in various areas.

The fine relationship has been reflected through the increase of delegation exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, as well as the successful organisation of the Vietnam-France Year to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, he said.

Hien extended his hope that Vietnam and France will further their collaboration in such areas as infrastructure, transport, energy, space aviation, pharmaceutical products and climate change response.

Catherine Deroche lauded the two countries’ cooperative outcomes in education, sustainable development and environmental protection.

She hailed Vietnam’s commitments to cutting emissions as stated at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris last year.

The France-Vietnam Parliamentarians’ Group will work to accelerate the ratification and official signing of a free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam, contributing to fostering multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and France, as well as the EU.

Vice President welcomes French guests

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan hosted a reception for a visiting delegation of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group led by President Christine Deroche in Hanoi on February 23.

The Vice President highlighted the great contributions made by the Senate of France in promoting the relations between the two countries’ legislative bodies, noting that the two sides have built close all-around ties over the last four decades.

She expressed her joy at the French Government’s decision to deploy bilateral cooperation mechanisms, which will focus on boosting links in economics, culture, health and the environment with Vietnam. She said this shows enhanced political trust and further cooperation prospects between the two countries in the future.

The host took the occasion to thank the Senate for its recent support for Vietnam and its approval of the V ietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement ( PCA ), saying that if the French National Assembly considers the early ratification of the PCA, then Vietnam-EU cooperation in general and Vietnamese-French relations in particular will be strengthened.

The Vice President hailed France’s successful organisation of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris last year, and called on French firms to further invest in green development in Vietnam. Doan also hoped the delegation’s visit will contribute to bolstering connection among the two countries’ localities in the future.

Christine Deroche said the visit aims to review the bilateral ties in the fields of education, economics and environment, revealing that the French National Assembly planned to approve PCA as soon as possible.

Regarding to the East Sea issue, the guest stated that her country supports the settlement of related disputes by pe aceful measures, in line with international law, stressing that it is necessary to maintain peace and stability in the sea for ensuring security, safety, navigation and aviation freedom, and international trade exchange.

VNA