(VOVworld) -  Vietnam hopes France will expand investment projects in Vietnam and enhance cooperation in culture and tourism, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told newly-appointed French Ambassador to Vietnam Bertrand Lortholary in Hanoi on Thursday.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and France's newly-appointed Ambassador to Vietnam Bertrand Lortholary (Photo: VNA)

PM Phuc highlighted the great potential for the two counties to boost cooperation, especially in economics and urged France to persuade other European Union members to promptly approve the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Ambassador Lortholary pledged to accelerate the “France House” project in Ho Chi Minh City and the construction of a high school in Hanoi, and to promote collaboration in television.

He asked the two sides to hasten the signing of a project to build a metro line in Hanoi, which is expected to be a symbol of bilateral cooperation.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Australian Ambassador Crag Chittick (Photo: VNA)

Receiving newly accredited Australian Ambassador Craig Chittick in Hanoi the same day, PM Phuc said Australia is Vietnam’s reliable partner and Vietnam wants to develop comprehensive cooperation with Australia in economics, culture, education, training, and tourism.

He agreed to Ambassador Chittick’s proposals for joint projects on poverty reduction and gender equality, saying he will instruct Vietnamese agencies to work with Australia on these projects.