(VOVworld) - National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong has praised the assistance to Vietnam of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group of the French Senate. In a meeting with Vice President of the French Senate Jacqueline Gourault on Thursday, Ms. Phong expressed her pleasure that Vietnamese National Assembly delegates were among the first to congratulate Gourault for winning her current post on Wednesday.
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| Vice President of the French Senate Jacqueline Gourault (left) receives NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong. (Photo: VNA) |
Ms. Phong said greater cooperation will benefit both Vietnam and France: “Vietnam will do its utmost to further its traditional friendship with France in the current context of renewal, multilateralization, and diversification. Strategic partnership and mutual trust with France will create favorable conditions for Vietnam to implement its commitments to West European nations. Meanwhile, Vietnam is a gateway for France to penetrate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).”
Ms. Phong said Vietnam wishes to receive France’s recognition of its market economy and France’s support for an early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union.
Ms. Gourault, who is also Vice President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, promised her efforts in the new post to strengthen France’s cooperation with Vietnam.