Vietnamese Female Vice President Promotes Multilateral Diplomacy at Francophone Summit

The summit, themed “Connectivity in diversity – the digital vector of development and solidarity in the French-speaking world,” took place on November 19 and 20 with discussions on the political and economic situation in the world.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the summit. — VNA/VNS Photo

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan attended the opening of the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, on Saturday (local time).

The summit, themed “Connectivity in diversity – the digital vector of development and solidarity in the French-speaking world,” took place on November 19 and 20 with discussions on the political and economic situation in the world.

Meeting with Senegal President Macky Sall, Xuan affirmed Vietnam’s policy of strengthening relations with Senegal, and suggested that the two countries increase the exchange of delegations at all levels to further promote bilateral cooperation.

She thanked Senegal, the incumbent president of the African Union (AU) in 2022, for supporting Vietnam in establishing relations with the AU, according to the VOV.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (R) meets with Senegal President Macky Sall in Tunisia. (Photo: VNA)

Affirming Vietnam is a traditional and close partner for Senegal, Sall noted many cooperation projects between the two countries are being implemented effectively, including those in the fields of agriculture and rice cultivation. He congratulated Vietnam’s achievements in the green revolution, and hoped that Vietnam would share experiences in agricultural development, especially rice production.

The two side stressed the need to early sign bilateral agreements, creating a legal framework for long-term cooperation, while strengthening mutual support at international and regional forums, including the AU, and ASEAN.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (L) and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis during their meeting in Tunisia. (Photo: VNA)

While meeting with Swiss President Ignazio Cassis, Xuan congratulated Switzerland on being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-2024. She thanked Switzerland for granting development assistance, worth US$600 million, to Vietnam over the past 30 years and pledging an additional US$80 million for 2021-2024.

Switzerland is currently the 21st largest foreign investor among countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Cassis assured that Switzerland attaches importance to relations with Vietnam. He agreed with Vietnam’s priority proposals regarding countries’ negotiations to soon sign a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) of which Switzerland is a member. He voiced support for business connections, cultural, education, tourism cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The Swiss President also said he would actively support the promotion of French teaching in Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums and organizations to solve global issues related to peace, food – energy – water security, and climate change.

Meeting with the Vietnamese Vice President, Slovenian President Borut Pahor supported Vietnam’s proposal for Slovenia and the European Union to soon ratify the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), in order to give fresh impetus to trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

The two sides emphasized that the two countries still have a lot of potential for stronger cooperation, including in the fields of mechanics, automation, food processing, transportation services, and seaports.

Exchanging views on global issues, they affirmed their support for respecting the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including the principles of sovereign equality between states, and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law.

During her stay in Tunisia for the Francophone summit, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also met with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Francophone Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo, and Premier of Quebec (Canada) François Legault.