Macron seals key deals in Vietnam visit
French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Vietnam marks a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. This visit, the first by a French president in nearly a decade, comes amid concerns over rising U.S. tariffs and aims to enhance France's influence in its former colony. During the visit, France and Vietnam signed 14 agreements totaling over 9 billion euros ($10.25 billion), although this number fell short of the dozens of deals initially anticipated. More agreements are expected to be announced soon.
Among the key agreements is a significant deal for VietJet to purchase 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, reinforcing Airbus's dominant position in Vietnam's aviation sector. Additional pacts cover cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, railways, healthcare, and satellite technology, including a partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and Vietnam. These agreements are designed to bolster Vietnam's infrastructure and technological capabilities.
Macron emphasized France's role as a reliable partner in promoting a rules-based international order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted the deployment of a French carrier strike group to the South China Sea as a demonstration of France's commitment to regional stability and support for Vietnam's maritime rights.
The visit reflects France's strategic intent to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia, offering an alternative to the influence of major powers like the United States and China. By enhancing economic and defense cooperation with Vietnam, France seeks to solidify its role as a key player in the region's development and security landscape. Overall, the agreements signed during Macron's visit signify a milestone in France-Vietnam relations, paving the way for expanded collaboration across multiple sectors and reinforcing the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two nations.
