Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam always treasures relations with France and expectsthat the two nations will join hands in developing the bilateral strategic partnershipmore effectively and practically, said the top lawmaker.

Whilemeeting with French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe in Hanoi on November 2,National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said she was happy to witnessthe strong development of Vietnam-France ties, especially after the twocountries set up their strategic partnership in 2013.

ChairwomanNgan highly evaluated the French PM’s visit which takes place at a time whenVietnam and France are celebrating the 45th founding anniversary ofdiplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of the signing of theJoint Declaration on the strategic partnership.

Havingcongratulated the outcomes of PM Philippe’s meeting with General Secretary ofthe Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen PhuTrong, and his talks with PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Chairwoman expressed herbelief that the visit and cooperation agreements signed during the trip wouldcontribute to deepening the bilateral relationship and enhancing theirpolitical trust.

PMPhilippe said his ongoing visit, with the participation of French parliamentarians,ministers and Presidents of the France-Vietnam Friendship Associations in the Parliamentand the Senate, aims to further promote cooperative and close relations betweenthe two nations.

ThePM highlighted the importance of cooperative ties between French and Vietnameseprovinces and cities, adding that he is scheduled to participate in severalactivities in Vietnamese localities, including the inauguration of a Frenchinternational school in Hanoi.

Atthe meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on operations of as well asrelations between the parliaments and governments in Vietnam and France.-VNA