Macron in Vietnam: A state visit with great importance!

Macron in Vietnam: A state visit with great importance!

On May 25, 2025, Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron arrived in Hanoi for a state visit to Vietnam. The visit, scheduled until May 27, 2025, comes at the invitation of President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong. Upon their arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, they were welcomed by senior Vietnamese officials, including Le Khanh Hai, head of the presidential office, and Tran Sy Thanh, chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee.

In addition, many representatives of the French delegation were present. Among them were Eric Lombard, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial Sovereignty and Digitalization, Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, and Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture. These senior officials underline the importance of relations between France and Vietnam.

Priorities of the state visit

The main purpose of the visit is to discuss key issues such as economy, trade and investment. Defense, security, innovation, science, technology, education and healthcare are also on the agenda. It is also planned to sign new cooperation agreements during Macron's stay in Vietnam.

Macron has already developed a special fondness for Vietnam and its cuisine. His trip is part of a larger program that also takes him to Indonesia and Singapore. This state visit follows a series of official meetings between the two countries that demonstrate an ever-deepening partnership. In October 2024, an acceleration of relations was agreed through the declaration of a Global Strategic Partnership, during M. Tô Lâm's visit to France.

Global Strategic Partnership

As part of this partnership, Vietnam and France have emphasized the importance of respect for international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both countries are working to promote economic cooperation, including the implementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement. The French side will also support Vietnam in achieving its climate goals.

A central concern is strengthening defense relations and promoting cooperation, particularly in the areas of the defense industry and military training programs. The countries have also reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate in the area of ​​security, particularly against illegal migration and human trafficking.

In another point, Vietnam will make it easier for French ships to access its ports. The area of ​​sustainable fishing and maritime dialogue will also increasingly come into focus. The ministers of the two countries should develop a detailed action plan to implement these agreements in order to improve cooperation at various levels.

Discussions during the state visit will also cover geopolitical issues, including security in the South China Sea and a common stance on the situation in the Middle East. The two nations call for de-escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reaffirm their commitment to a two-state solution.

Emmanuel Macron's visit not only underlines the existing bilateral relations between France and Vietnam, but also the shared ambitions to further develop them. Macron, who has been President of the French Republic since May 2017, wants to continue to focus on the exchange of cultures and dialogue between peoples. Looking to the future, Vietnam is of central importance as a strategic partner for France.