(VOVworld)- National Assembly Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on June 2 for a delegation from the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group led by its President Pascal Deguilhem. Son affirmed France is Vietnam’s important partner in Europe, saying that the two countries are enjoying extensive and intensive developments in various fields. He expressed his hope that the two parliaments will continue speeding up the exchange of delegations and the sharing of information about issues of mutual concern. Briefing the guests on tensions in the East Sea following China’s illegal placement of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s waters, Son said Vietnam vehemently protests such acts of violation and is determined to safeguard its sovereignty and legitimate interests in line with international law. Pascal spoke highly of socio-economic achievements gained by Vietnam in recent years. He stated that France highly values Vietnam’s efforts in solving the disputes in the East Sea by peaceful ways and dialogues.