Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc andhis French counterpart Edouard Philippe discussed some cooperation measures inthe COVID-19 fight and ways to reinforce the countries’ relations during theirphone talks on June 11.

The two PMs applauded recent strides in theircountries’ strategic partnership in terms of politics, economy, trade,aerospace, healthcare, environment, education-training, culture and tourism.They also emphasised the development potential of bilateral cooperation for thetime ahead.

The French PM recalled his visit to Vietnam in2018 and agreed that the two countries need to increase communication to workout measures for developing the strategic partnership more extensively andeffectively.

Edouard Philippe also spoke highly of Vietnam’sefforts in the COVID-19 fight and thanked the Vietnamese Government and peoplefor their medical supplies for his country, which he said demonstrate thesentiment and close ties between the two nations.

PM Phuc showed his sympathy with the FrenchGovernment’s efforts in pandemic control, noting that COVID-19 is a commonchallenge to all countries around the world.

Vietnam is ready to cooperate with France andall partners to jointly overcome these trying times, he stressed.

During the talks, the two PMs highly valued theprogress in Vietnam-EU relations, especially the work for the enforcement ofthe EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment ProtectionAgreement (EVIPA).

The Vietnamese leader appreciated the FrenchGovernment’s support for comprehensively developing Vietnam-EU connections.

Informing his counterpart about the VietnameseNational Assembly’s ratification of the EVFTA and EVIPA, PM Phuc expressed hisbelief that the two deals will create new momentum for the economic, trade andinvestment links between Vietnam and the EU, including France, especially amidboth sides’ efforts to recover their pandemic-hit growth.

He also asked the French parliament to ratifythe EVIPA soon so as to materialise the benefits that this agreement cangenerate.

Exchanging views on international and regionalissues of shared concern, the leaders voiced their delight at the twocountries’ close cooperation at multilateral forums, at the UN Security Councilsince Vietnam began to serve as a non-permanent member in January 2020, as wellas in developing ASEAN’s ties with the EU and France during Vietnam’s term as ASEANChairman.

They affirmed that the strong coordination hasnot only helped combat against COVID-19 at present but also contributed to therealisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change response,environmental protection, and the maintenance of security, stability andrespect for international law in the regions, as well as in the East Sea./.